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MEMORIALS 



CONCERNING 



SEVERAL MINISTERS, 



AND 



'^ 



OF THE RELIGIOUS . 

SOCZETir OF FRZEZg^DS, 

WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE YEARLY MEETING 
OF NEW- YORK, 

WITH SOME OF THEIR 

LAST EXPRESSIONS. 






PRmTED AJSTD SOLD BY MAHLOK DAY, 
NO. 376, PEARL-STREET^ 

1825. 






la Exchange 

J 

SEP 28 19« 



PREFACE. 



^^i 



Several Memorials of deceased Friends have receiv- 
ed the approbation of the Yearly Meeting of New- York, 
since an edition was published by the Meeting for Suffe- 
rings in 1814 5 and, it is thought, that it will be useful to 
continue the publication of this record of the lives and 
deaths of those, who have added their testimony to that 
of " the great multitude which no man can number,'' for 
the excellence of the religion of Christ, in its peculiar 
power, to detach the affections from the world, and pre- 
pare for a separation from the things of time in the 
solemn hour, when the favour of God will be found to 
be of incomparably greater value than all which this 
world can bestow in wealth and in pleasure Published 
by direction of the Meeting for Sufferings, representing 
the Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, 
in the State of New- York, and parts adjacent. 

^th Month, 1825. 



AKEMORIAXiS 



CONCERNING 



SEVERAL MINISTERS, 

AND OTHERS, DECEASED. 



The Testimony of New Garden Monthly 
Meeting in Chester County^ Pennsylvania^ 
concerning our worthy Friend William 
MoTT, of Mamaroneck, in York Govern- 
mentj — 

Who being on a religious visit to Friends 
in this Province, attended our Yearly Meet- 
ing at Philadelphia, and from thence, on his 
way towards Nottingham Yearly Meeting, 
visited several meetings, and was at our 
Monthly Meeting of New Garden, held on 
7th day, the 5th of the 10th Month, 1765, 
where, after some time of silence, he ap- 
peared in a short, yet satisfactory testimony, 
but being much indisposed, left the meeting 
in a few minutes after, and did not return, 

2. 



6 

but went to the house of Isaac Jackson, 
where his illness increased, which was the 
small pox, and lay heavy upon him. 

On Second day following in the afternoon, 
some Friends coming to see him, he men- 
tioned his desire of having a time of retire- 
ment together, in which opportunity, he ex- 
pressed in a lively and sensible manner, his 
resignation to the will of the Lord, respect- 
ing his indisposition, and spake of the great 
advantage it might be to the members of 
our Society, if they were more drawn from 
the spirit and friendship of the world, and 
the too eager pursuit after the riches and 
grandeur thereof; and said that the profes- 
sors of truth suffered great loss in a spiritual 
sense, for want of being often deeply inward 
when about our lawful callings, labouring 
to have our minds retired where true com- 
fort and instruction is to be witnessed ; and 
that Friends who are heads of families ought 
to wait for the movings of Truth, to make 
way for them to call their children and ser- 
vants together to wait upon the Lord, and if 
this was but the engagement of our minds, 
Providence would make way for such op- 



portunities beyond our expectation, on which 
and several other subjects, he at that time 
spoke in a sensible, humble manner. 

He frequently at other times mentioned 
his uneasiness in beholding the professors of 
Truth not keeping within the bounds of true 
moderation respecting their clothing and fur- 
niture, but rather pleasing the natural dispo- 
sition in having divers colours in one gar- 
ment, with unnecessary work and pains to 
no real advantage, but to the consumption 
of much precious time that might be profit- 
ably spent in doing good amongst mankind ; 
and said that if Friends lived near enough 
to the inward Teacher that discovers things 
to be as they really are, there are many 
things amongst us that we term sm^ll or tri- 
fling, that would appear too great and incon- 
sistent for the professors of the pure truth to 
admit of. 

And, notwithstanding his affliction was 
great, yet he bore it with remarkable pa- 
tience, appearing more concerned for the 
glory of God, and the good of his church 
and people, than any temporal considera- 
tions ; and frequently expressed his resigna- 



8 

tion to the Divine Will, being freely given 
up either for life or death ; and the retired^ 
quiet frame of mind he generally appeared 
in, was very instructive, often saying he felt 
easy in mind^ having witnessed a comfort- 
ing, refreshing season, expressing his thank- 
fulness for such peculiar favour in so trying 
a dispensation ; yet he had no other pros- 
pect but that he should recover until a few 
hours before his decease, when he signified 
he had almost done with time here, and 
then changed fast for death, and quietly de- 
parted the 1 5th of 3d Month, in the eve- 
ning, in a sensible, composed frame of spirit. 



9 



A Memorial of the Monthly Meeting of Nine 
Par'tnerSj concerning Joshua Haight. 

In remembrance of the valuable labours 
and services of this our beloved Friend and 
elder, it is with us to give the following tes- 
timony concerning him. 

He was born according to accounts at 
East Chester, the 10th of the 4th Month j 
1704, his father dying when he was young, 
and his mother being a Presbyterian, he had 
his education in that society. Some time 
after he arrived to the state of a man, he 
was convinced of the principles of Truth, as 
held by Friends, and through attending to 
the operation of the divine principle of 
light and grace, which he at times had felt 
to move on his mind when young in years, 
he came to experience an increase of that 
love which is the badge of true discipleship ; 
and was thereby drawn to attend the meet- 
ings of Friends ; he some time after remov- 
ed and settled at Shappaqua, where a meet- 
ing was held at his house for a time ; it be- 

2', 



10 

ing a new-settled place, and but few Friends, 
the weight and care of the meeting lay 
much upon him. After residing some time 
there, he again removed with his family, and 
settled at the Nine Partners, then pretty 
much a wilderness ; and though there were 
but few that made profession with Friends, 
yet he soon found an engagement with other 
Friends to request the Monthly Meeting's 
approbation for them to meet together for 
divine worship, which being approved of, a 
meeting was held in this place in the year 
1742, of which he was a diligent attender, 
wherein his deportment was exemplary, be- 
ing solid and weighty ; and thus, by a faith- 
ful adherence to the divine Teacher in his 
own mind, he experienced a growth in that 
gift which alone qualifies for service in the 
church, for the support of the discipline 
whereof he had to go through many close 
trials and deep baptisms ; being zealously 
concerned that right order might be main- 
tained, and that the judgment of truth 
might be placed upon transgressors that 
proved unclaimable ; not sparing even his 
own offspring. 



11 

He was a diligent attender of Quarterly 
and Yearly Meetings to an advanced age, 
and was not deterred therefrom^ even when 
imminent dangers were apparent in time of 
war ; having to pass through the contending 
parties in going to and from them, for which 
he suflfered confinement on board of prison- 
ships after his return from the Yearly Meet- 
ing in 1777, where he remained upwards of 
three months, which he bore with great for- 
titude and composure of mind ; saying after 
his release^ his prison had been to him as a 
palace. He was much engaged for the aris- 
ings of the testimony of Truth in its various 
branches, particularly with respect to war 
^nd bloodshed, (for which he suffered the 
spoiUng of his goods,) and also for the 
emancipation of the enslaved Africans ; be- 
ing desirous that he might not do any thing 
whereby the right of slavery would be ac- 
knowleged. And truly we may say, that 
he appeared to be a faithful labourer in the 
vineyard, according to his station ; being 
endued with sound judgment, and was zeal- 
ously concerned against a lifeless, forward 
ministry, but a tender, nursing father to the 
honest, exercised labourers. 



A few years since, he had a fit^ which ap- 
peared to be of the apoplectic kiwd, after 
which his understanding and memory gra- 
dually decayed, and he became as a little 
child, not knowing his own children ; yet 
abounded in innocency, often saying, " let 
us do all the good we can, and be sure that 
we do no hurt, then it will be well with us.'^ 
Thus he closed his days, and no doubt has 
received a reward for all his faithful labours. 
He departed this life, the 11th day of the 3d 
Month, 1796, aged ninety-one years. 



13 



A Testimomj of the Monthly Meeting of Nine 
Partners^ concerning our Friend Stephen 
Dean, 

He was born in the County of West Ches- 
ter, the 1st day of the 11th Month, in the 
year 1724, of parents, who although not 
members of our religious society, yet were 
inclining to the principles of Friends, at- 
tended our meetings, and endeavoured to 
bring up their children in that way; yet this 
our Friend grew up^ and continued without 
much apparent religious concern until about 
the forty-fourth year of his age, when having 
previously removed and settled at Oswego, 
in the compass of our Monthly Meeting, he 
was, by the powerful preaching of that ser- 
vant of Christ, Samuel Neal, more effectu- 
ally reached and awakened to a sense of 
his condition, and of the necessity of giving 
up all, in order to purchase the Pearl of great 
Price, and soon after joined in membership 
with us. He was a diligent attender of our 
meetings for religious worship and discipline^ 
and through attention to the leadings of the 



14 

pure principle of light he was enabled to fill 
the station of an elder with propriety, being 
ready to discourage that which did not ap- 
pear to arise from the principle of Hfe, — but 
was as a nursing father to the poor in spirit, 
who needed a word of consolation and en- 
couragement. 

He was a tender father, a loving hus- 
band, a kind neighbour, and a sympathizer 
with the poor, who often partook of his 
bounty. For nearly three years before 
his death, he was confined at home with 
distressing pains of the Sciatic, which he 
bore with Christian patience and fortitude, 
frequently expressing his prospect of a 
change, and an entire willingness thereto. 
In the course of his sickness, he uttered 
many sensible, weighty expressions, and 
gave much good advice to his children, as 
well as to his friends and neighbours, who 
came to see him, very suitable to their seve- 
ral states. 

At one time, he said, although his bodily 
pains were great, yet he felt that which 
stayed his mind, which was a favour, and not 
at our command. One evening after having 



15 



lain most of the afternoon as though he was 
dying, being a little revived, was asked how 
he was, he replied, " I have had a sweet af- 
ternoon, my mind hath been in paradise.'' 

Thus our dear Friend closed his days in 
sweet peace, and we doubt not is gathered 
to his eternal rest. He departed this life, 
the 24th of 6th Month, 1797, aged about 
72 years. 



16 



A Testimony of Amawalk Monthly 3Ieeting^ 
concerning our Friend Joseph Walters. 

It appears that our Friend was born in 
New Castle, in the County of West Chester, 
and State of New- York, and when young 
was much captivated by the follies and vani- 
ties of the natural maUj but being followed 
by the visitations of the grace of God, he 
saw sin to be exceedingly sinful, and became 
convinced of the truth , and by taking heed 
to its dictates, Was enabled to take up the 
cross, and thereby experience an overcom- 
ing. 

As he continued steadfast in the faith, he 
grew in grace, and in the knowledge of the 
Truth, received a gift in the ministry, and 
was qualitied to publish the glad tidings of 
the gospel to others, and to speak a word in 
season to the weary traveller. He settled 
at Amawalk in the aforesaid county, where 
a small meeting of Friends was for some 
trime held at his house ; and by his steady, 
exemplary conduct, and devotedness to the 



17 

cause of Truth, was, we believe, a useful 
instrument in gathering a considerable meet- 
ing at that place. He was a steady attender 
of meetings, and weighty therein. Useful 
in the discipline, a lover of good order, an 
encourager of the rightly concerned, a good 
neighbour, beloved by his friends, and of 
good report among men. He was frequent 
in his visits to the sick and afSicted ; and 
although labouring in his latter years under 
infirmities and weakness of body, he appear- 
ed to experience an increase of the love of 
the gospel. His last illness was short, and 
attended with acute pain of body, which he 
bore with Christian patience, frequently sig- 
nifying that his dependence was on the Lord. 
He retained his understanding to the last, 
and quietly departed, we believe, in peace, 
the 4th of 12th Month, 1806, aged about 78 
years, and a minister upwards of thirty years. 
Thus our beloved Friend, through faith- 
fulness to the manifestations of Truth, re- 
ceived not the grace of God in vain, but im- 
proved the talent committed to him, and 
held his integrity and greenness to the end. 



18 



A Memorial of the Monthly Meeting pf Galway^ 
concerning our Friend David Howland. 

It having pleased the Almighty to remove 
this our beloved Friend from works to re- 
wards, we feel our minds engaged to give 
the following Testimony concerning him. 

He was born in the Nine Partners, the 12th 
of 10th Month, 1773. His parents names 
were Stephen and Anna Howland. It ap- 
pears, by his given account, that he was in 
very early life, measurably convinced of the 
principles of Friends, and for some time 
after felt an engagement of mind to attend 
their reHgious meetings ; but his parents 
changing their residence, he was almost de- 
prived of attending meetings for some years. 
During which period youthful vanity gained 
ascendency in his mind, although he was 
favoured (at times) with a clear sense thereof. 
Thus time passed with him until he became 
settled in life ; when about the twenty-third 
year of his age, by the renewed visitations of 
Divine Love, he became fully awakened to 
a concern for the welfare of his immortal 



19 

soul And standing open to the convictions 
of Divine Light, he submitted to the sancti- 
fying power of the Cross of Christ, grew in 
religious experience, and became a diligent 
attender of our meetings, the nearest of 
which was about the distance of eighteen 
miles; being in low circumstances, he was 
under the necessity of travelling to and from 
them on foot, which he often did the same 
day ; and requesting the care of Saratoga 
Monthly Meeting, he became a member 
thereof. The year following, he found him- 
self under the necessity of bearing a public 
testimony to the truth he had made profes- 
sion of; and abiding in humility, he grew 
in his gift to the general satisfaction of his 
friends, and was recommended a minister 
in the year 1807, 

Under apprehensions of duty, he was 
often led to appoint meetings in neighbour- 
hoods adjacent to where he lived, (which 
in the latter part of his life was in the town 
Mayficld.) He likewise performed several 
religious visits of some distance in which he 
was often favoured and much enlarged in 
his public ministry to the reaching of many 



20 

minds. He was ready and pertinent in 
Scripture, and was enabled by the influence 
of Divine Grace, to set forth with clearness 
the principles of Truth, as professed by us, 
to the understandings of the people. He was 
likewise useful in our meetings for discipline, 
and often manifested a concern therein, 
particularly for the right education, and 
orderly walking of our youth. He was a 
kind and affectionate husband, a tender 
father, and generally beloved by his ac- 
quaintance and friends. He was taken ill 
at the house of our Friend Thomas Wilbur, 
at Saratoga, on his return from the Quarterly 
Meeting at Easton ; and though his disor- 
der was very severe, he bore it with becom- 
ing patience and resignation of mind. At 
one time he expressed to a Friend who sat by 
him, that he felt as though his days work 
was done in the day time. 

A day or two afterwards he remarked, that 
in all his life, death had never looked so 
pleasant to him as it then did. He departed 
this life on the twenty-fifth of the 2d month, 
1814; and we trust is now receiving the 
rewards of his faithful labours. 



21 



The Testimony of James and Phebe Clapp^ 
concerning their daughter Sarah ClapPj 
late of Creek Monthly Meetings Nine Fart-- 
ners. 

She was born the 15th of 1st Month^ 
1784. In early life, she was inclined to 
vanity, but about the twenty-second year of 
her age, being visited with severe illness^ her 
mind became impressed with religious con- 
cern, and she frequently sought opportunities 
of retirement. 

She was diligent in the attendance of re-r 
ligious meetings, dutiful to her parents, and 
affectionate to her friends and neighbours. 
When near the thirtieth year of her age, she 
was confined by bodily indisposition, which 
she bore with Christian patience and forti- 
tude, and frequently mentioned that it ap- 
peared to her, that the good presence of the 
Almighty was so evident, that it must be 
felt by all who entered the room. 

She was enabled to impart much suitable 
counsel to those around her. To her bro- 
thers, she said; '^ Dear brothers, remember 

3# 



22 

your Creator in the days of your youth ; — be 
faithful ; — do not shun the cross ;— keep to 
the plain language : — the Lord is good,^ — he 
has been so to me.'' And to one of theni^ 
added, " I am glad to see thee once more ; 
be careful to wait upon the Lord, that he 
may be pleased to be with thee, and enable 
thee to bring up thy children in his fear : 
and also thy dear wife, may she be fully 
given up to seek the Lord, that she may be 
rightly directed in the discharge of her duty 
to your children. Dwell in love. God is 
love, and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth 
in God, and God in him. Be careful, dear 
brother, to attend meetings diligently ; go 
under a right concern of mind, and when 
there, endeavour to worship the Lord in spirit 
and in truth.' ' 

At one time she thus appeared in suppli- 
cation, " O Lord ! thou hast been near me 
in my sickness, be pleased to be with me to 
the end." 

After recovering from fainting, (to which 
she was subject,) she said to a connexion, 
" 1 want to speak with thee ;" and pausing, 
added^ " My dear, I want thee to be faithful 



23 

in the discharge of thy duty, towards God 
and man. He is a God nigh at hand, unto 
all them who are willing to call upon his 
great and good name.'' 

'' I have had to look back, and see whether 
I have been enough given up in little things ;'' 
and on taking her leave, said, " Farewell : 
do remember, and be obedient to the requir- 
ings of the Most High ; then, I believe, thou 
wilt be enabled to pass through this vale of 
tears, and have the reward of, * Well done, 
thou good and faithful servant.' " 

A Friend coming to see her, she said, '^ I 
am, to appearance, just launching into a 
boundless eternity ; do thou comfort my 
aged mother, in this time of trial. I feel my- 
self entirely given up to the requirings of 
my Master. 1 am willing to give up all, and 
leave you, and go to an everlasting inherit- 
ance. I see nothing in my way towards 
that glorious city, whose builder and maker 
the Lord is " 

When appearing to be near her close, she 
said, " Farewell, dear father, cleave to the 
Lord, for he is a stay and a staff in time of 
trial ; — great are his mercies and loving 



24 

kindness : do not turn thy mind too much to 
the things of this world, but turn unto thy 
God, who is a rich rewarder.'' Addressing 
her mother, she said, ^' Farewell, dear mo- 
ther, I hope that thou mayst be borne up in 
this time of trial. I believe the Lord will 
see meet, in his wisdom, to be thy stay and 
support, as thou dost cast thy confidence in 
his holy Arm of power. O ! my dear pa- 
rents, brothers, and sisters, be faithful to the 
little, and do not look for great things. May 
the things of this world be stained in your 
view ; — they are no more to me than a bub- 
ble upon the water." 

To a young woman of her acquaintance, 
who came to see her, she said, '^ O give up 
to serve thy God, and work out thy souPs 
salvation with fear and trembling. Health 
is the best lime, be faithful, so that thou 
mayst have thy accounts in readiness when 
thou art called hence.'' Addressing a near 
relation, she said, ^^ Be faithful to the Lord's 
requirings in all things ; be a good example 
to thy children :'' adding more, expressive 
of the great importance of that duty. 

Speaking to a young Friend, she said, "I 



25 

am here in mutability, quite resigned to the 
Lord's will. He has spared my life thus far. 
I can but admire his great condescension : 
my soul doth praise and magnify his name. 
If the Lord see meet in the riches of his 
mercy to take me hence, I am entirely re- 
signed ; but I have no desire to be removed 
till the measure of suffering be filled up.'' 

After taking an affectionate farewell of 
her brothers and sisters, she seemed to revive 
a little ; her disorder however soon returned 
with increased force, and her voice became 
much enfeebled ; yet a Friend who was with 
her a little before the solemn close, distinct- 
ly heard her say, " I believe my sufferings 
are in wisdom, it is for some good purpose," 
and shortly after added, " Joy and rejoicing ; 
— Lord, let thy divine will be done, and not 
mine." 

She quietly breathed her last, the 4th of 
the 8th Month, 1814, aged about 30 years. 



^6 



The Memorial of the Monthly Meeting of 
NeW'Yorky t^o/icermn^ Matthew Frank- 
lin. 

Matthew Franklin, was the son of 
Henry and Mary Franklin : he was born in 
New-York, the 9th of 6th month, 1773. 
During his childhood, he was deprived of 
paternal care, by the death of his father, but 
the watchful tenderness of his mother was 
extended to guard his youthful steps from 
straying into the paths of vanity and dissi- 
pation, to which his natural proneness to 
levity and unprofitable company peculiarly 
exposed him, amidst a numerous acquain- 
tance and surrounded by the temptations 
incident to a populous city. 

He however listened to the allurements 
of deceitful pleasures, and was frequently 
ensnared and his peace broken ; for amidst 
these gratifications the convictions for sin re- 
proved him, and he often felt the force of 
the declaration, that " the way of the trans- 
gressor is hard.'' 

The visitations of Divine Grace were ex- 



27 

tended to him from his childhood, and his 
devotional feelings were lively and fervent ; 
but from his great natural vivacity these im- 
pressions frequently lost their force, an 1 he 
yielded to new temptations, which again 
plunged him in sorrow and remorse. 

About the twentieth year of his age in, a 
season of renewed awakening, he was led 
fervently to supplicate the Lord, that he 
would be pleased by some powerful opera- 
tions of his hand, however heavy he might see 
it necessary to lay it upon him, to cause him 
to bow to his Holy Will. And some time 
after this season, he was attacked with lan- 
guishing indisposition. Severe and awful 
were the conflicts and exercises of his mind, 
in this situation, when it appeared to others 
that his sickness was unto death, but to him- 
self that it was for the glory of God, in recal- 
ling a sinner from the paths of polution to 
serve him in newness of life. This feeble^ 
state continued for several years, when he 
gradually recovered a comfortable state of 
health ; and increasing in watchfulness and 
stability, he grew in the spiritual life, and a 
dispensation of the Gospel was committed 



28 

to him ; in which he was exercised for 
some time in opportunities with individualSj 
and in families. 

He was first engaged in public ministry 
about the year 1803, and being careful to 
move in the manifestations of Divine Light, 
his gift was enlarged, and he became an 
eminent minister of the Gospel. 

The state of his temporal affairs occupied 
his attention more than was agreeable to 
him ; for, as he at times expressed, he pre- 
ferred to every earthly acquisition, the dedi- 
cation of his time and talents to the service 
of his Lord ; but considering it to be necessa- 
ry to attend to the settlement of concerns, 
which his connection with others had in- 
volved him in, he was but little from home, 
till in the years 1808 and 1812, he made re- 
ligious visits to Friends in New-England ; 
and in 1813, one in some parts of New- 
Jersey and Pennsylvania ; and it appears 
by the testimonials of Friends amongst 
whom he travelled, that his gospel labours 
were very acceptable. 

During the latter years of his life, his mind 
being relieved from the anxieties and cares 



29 

which the state of his business had occasion- 
ed him ; his usefulness in the Society and in 
the community at, large increased, his ser- 
vice in the ministry of the Gospel became 
more extensive ; and he appeared likely by 
his labour in the vineyard to produce much 
fruit to the praise of the Great Husbandman. 
Bui inscrutable are the counsels of Infinite 
Wisdom ; it pleased the Lord in the midst of 
his days, and in the fulness of his usefulness, to 
call him to receive the reward of his labour. 

About four weeks previous to his decease, 
he made a very acceptable visit to Friends 
of Purchase Quarterly Meeting; and speak- 
ing of it after his return, he remarked, that 
in the course of it and since his coming 
home, he had telt great sweetness on his 
mind, and that as he had frequently thought 
he might be removed from time by some 
sudden stroke, he had fervently desired that 
it might not be when his mind was engaged 
in worldly business, but in some season of 
religious enjoyment. 

In serious discourse with one of his 
sisters, a few days before his death, he signi- 
fied, that he was weary of buying and selling. 

4 



30 

and handling money, that it felt to him like 
lost time ; that he earnestly desired to close 
his commercial concerns, that he might be 
more at liberty to attend to his religious 
duties, apprehending that his stay here would 
not be long. 

On the first-day following, he arose early, 
and from his first being seen, his sister and 
their domestic, noticed an unusual solemni- 
ty and sweetness in his countenace and de- 
portment. He desired the latter to keep 
the house still and quiet ; and read in the 
New Testament before breakfast, and after- 
wards a chapter aloud to the family : 
throughout the morning till meeting time, 
his mind appeared to be centered in devout 
meditation. 

In the early part of the meeting, he was 
engaged in public ministry, explaining the 
duty of Christian benevolence, and recom- 
mending in a pathetic manner its observance, 
for about a quarter of an hour, evidently 
much affected with the subject. In the 
midst of a sentence, he placed his hand upon 
his head, stopped speaking, and sat down ; 
but shortly arose, and endeavoured with fal- 



31 

tering steps, to go out of the house : he was 
assisted and carried home in a chair ; having 
expressed only a word or two after leaving 
the Meeting House. He was soon deprived 
of sensation, and continued declining, till 
he died of apoplexy, on the evening of the 
following day, the 9th of the 1st Month, 
1815, aged 41 years, a minister about 11 
years. 

In preserving this memorial of our belov- 
ed brother, we desire to magnify the Divine 
Grace, which, by its convictions for sin, con- 
trolled and finally brought into subjection, 
that will which was alienated from the 
Divine Will, and by its renewing operations 
cleansed him from youthful sins ; and ren- 
dered that tongue, once employed in revelry 
and mirth, the instrument of proclaiming 
the gracious offers of redemption by Jesus 
Christ. 

Consonant with the spirit of the gospel^ 
his love and good will were limited to neither 
sect, colour, nor country ; he considered all 
men as the children of one Universal Pa- 
rent, and he loved them as brethren ; he 
believed that in every nation, tongue, and 



32 

people, there were those who feared God 
and would be accepted of hirn, and towards 
these his mind was enlarged in the fellow- 
ship of the gospel. This characteristic was 
manifested in numerous kind offices to his 
suffering fellow-men, in visiting the father- 
less, the widow, the afflicted in body and 
mind, administering spiritual and temporal 
relief; and also in the minor though still 
important traits of engaging cheerfulness, 
general affability, and unaffectedly kind 
deportment to all ; and especially to the 
children and young people, to whom he was 
particularly dear, and for whose religious 
instruction his mind was often led into ex- 
ercise, fervently desiring that the children 
of Friends might be more carefully trained 
in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 
Correspondent with Christian precept, he 
endeavoured to use this world as not abusing 
it \ he did not covet much outward sub- 
stance, but desired to be found a good 
steward, ready to distribute, willing to com- 
municate, and was eminently useful in ex- 
citing others to acts qf charity and benevo- 
Iqnce. 



S3 

He was a man of sound, correct judg- 
ment; and highly estimating the impor- 
tance of a faithful discharge of duty, he was 
singularly useful in exhorting, admonishing, 
and reproving; and remarkable for doing it 
without offence. He was extensively ser- 
viceable in the discipline of the church, and 
was often concerned to exhort Friends to 
adhere to the peculiar testimonies of the 
Society, as respects plainness of dress, lan- 
guage, and deportment ; and, to the obser- 
vance of Christian simplicity and modera- 
tion, in the use of temporal things. 

He dehghted in reading the Holy Scrip- 
tures, and often exhorted Friends to a prac- 
tice so greatly condusive to their religious 
improvement: and being a lover of retire- 
ment, his sitting in religious meetings was 
solemn, evincing that his mind was turned 
to the great object of adoration. 

His ministry was persuasive, instructive, 
and enlightening ; and it was obviously his 
concern to draw the attention of the people, 
to the operation of the Holy Spirit : his 
manner was agreeable, free from peculiarity 
of tone and gesture ; and he laboured cheer- 



5# 

fully and with a willing mind in his Masters 
service. 

Whilst we are sensible to the loss which 
the Church has sustained in the removal of 
our beloved Friend, we desire reverently to 
acquiesce in the dispensations of Him, whose 
ways are unsearchable and his judgments 
past finding out And it.is our fervent solici- 
tude^thatthe quickeningeffect produced upon 
many minds by his death, may excite them 
to a diHgent and faithful .performance of 
their several duties, that when the days of 
their probationary existence shall be fulfilled^ 
they may also inherit the blessing. 



35 



Memorial of Creek Monthly Meetings con-- 
cerning our Friend Phebe Upton. 

She was born in Salem, State of Massa- 
chusetts, the 9th of the 5th Month, 1746. 
Her parents, John and Mary Smith, were 
members of our religious society, and she 
often mentioned with gratitude, their care 
for her preservation, through the important 
period of youth. Having thus been favour- 
ed with a guarded education, her heart was 
susceptible of pious impressions ; and by 
yielding early to the precious influence of 
redeeming love, she became qualified for 
usefulness through the succeeding stages of 
her life. 

In the 22d year of her age, she was united 
in marriage with our esteemed Friend, Paul 
Upton, and in the followingyear, they remov- 
ed and settled at Nine Partners. She was 
a kind and affectionate wife ; and in the per- 
formance of the social and relative duties, 
was an instructive example of prudence and 
discretion. 

From her religious experience, she was 



36 

qualified to fill the important station of an 
elder, to which service she was appointed in 
early life. 

Feeling the great responsibility of her 
situation as a parent, and being sensible that 
the influence of example, and the force of 
habit, have a powerful effect on the minds of 
children, she was careful to walk uprightly 
before those entrusted to her care ; and to 
seek for wisdom, to nurture them in the " fear 
and admonition of the Lord.'' This concern 
for her children's welfare, was so deeply in- 
teresting to her best feelings, that she sought 
frequent opportunities to inculcate in their 
minds, the principles of piety and virtue ; 
often reminding them of the necessity, for 
those who profess to be the followers of the 
" Prince of Peace," to cultivate the spirit of 
charity and forbearance. Nor were her la- 
bours for the preservation of harmony con- 
fined to her own family, but were extended 
more generally, as occasion required ; and 
when any thing occurred, that was calcula- 
ted to lead to strife and animosity, she was 
careful to use her influence, to suppress its 
first appearance ; and from the fulness of 



37 



concern which she evinfced, (by her impar- 
tial labours,) for the restoration of unity, we 
believe it may be justly said, that she acted 
the part of a true peace-maker. 

Diligent in the attendance of religious 
meetings, and when there, her countenance 
and department indicated the reverent de- 
votion of her mind in the performance of 
true and acceptable worship : — and as she 
esteemed it not only an incumbent duty, 
but a precious privilege, she was careful to 
encourage others to a faithful dedication in 
this important concern. In meetings for 
discipline, she exemplified a concern for the 
maintenance of good order, and her precepts 
w^ere enforced by humility and condescen- 
sion. 

Her character was marked with hospitali- 
ty and kindness ; and she esteemed it a fa- 
vour to have the company of those who de- 
voted their time and talents to the promo- 
tion of the cause of righteousness. 

Possessing a feeling and benevolent mind, 
she would often sympathize with the afflict- 
ed ; and to alleviate the sufferings of the in- 
digent, was to her a pleasing duty. 



38 

Being of a cheerful and affable disposi- 
tion, and circumpect in her conversation, 
her society was rendered interesting and in- 
structive. 

On the 7th of 9th Month, 1814, after at- 
tending our meeting, she was taken unvvell. 
The disorder increasing upon her, and it ap- 
pearing likely that she would not continue 
long, she had recourse, in this time of trial, 
to the Fountain of consolation for support ; 
in which her spirit was humbled in remem- 
brance of the many favours and preservations 
she had experienced through life. 

She divers times imparted much suitable 
counsel and advice to her children respecting 
their truest interest, and recommended the 
spending of the first day of the week in a 
profitable manner, and to a frequent perusal 
of the Scriptures. 

Being reduced to great bodily weak- 
ness, her mental faculties became some- 
what impaired, but her love and affection 
for her friends continued, and often mani- 
fested a sense of Divine Goodness. A few 
days previous to that of her decease, she ex- 



39 



claimed, *^ Rejoice evermore, and in every 
thing give thanks.'' 

She departed this life, the 5th of 3d 
Month, 1815, in the 69th year of her age. 



40 



The Testimony of Duanesburgh Monthly 
Meetings concerning Hannah Hoag, 

Our Friend, Hannah Hoag, wife of Levi 
Hoag, was born in Dutchess County, in the 
State of New-York, the 27th of 8th Month, 
1764, of parents not in membership with 
any religious society, who being of slender 
circumstances^ gave her very Httle opportu- 
nity of acquiruig education. She however 
obtained sufficient learning to enable her to 
read in the Bible, in which she always mani- 
fested a peculiar pleasure. 

Having a sober, contemplative mind, she 
had desire^ in very early life, to become re- 
ligious ; and it appears she v^^as not capti- 
vated by the allurements of vanity, as the 
youth too geoeraliy are. After liaving at- 
tended the meetings of the various denomi- 
nations of professors in that vicinity, she be- 
came acquainted with the principles and 
faith of the Society of Friends, and being 
convinced of the rectitude of them, she re- 
quested, and became a member, in the 17th 
year of her age. In the 18th year of her 



41 



age, she appeared in the ministry, and by 
attending to the qualifying poweY of Divine 
Grace, she experienced a growth in the gift, 
in the exercise of which, she was remarked 
for the correctness of her scriptural quota- 
tions. About the year 1804, she, with her 
husband and family, settled within the limits 
of our meeting at Duanesburgh. Her doc- 
trine was clear and expUcit, and w^as evi- 
dently not delivered '' with the enticing 
w^ords of man's wisdom, but in demonstra- 
tion of the Spirit and of power." She of- 
ten warned those, who appeared to be 
at ease, of their great danger; whilst 
the language of consolation often flowed 
to the tried, tribulated mind. She was 
a great advocate for peace, and often declar- 
ed the unlawfulness of that unchristian prac- 
tice and scourge of humanity, "carnaUvar;'' 
but that the Christian warfare was spiritual, 
and wrought by him " whose fire is in Zion^ 
and his furnace in Jerusalem." She mani- 
fested a feeling concern for the welfare of her 
children, and laboured that they might be 
governed by the inward principle of Divine 
life ; remarking with gratitude, its teixdering 

5 



42 

impressions on their minds. In the winter 
of 1814, she removed with her husband to 
the town of Hancock, (Massachusetts.) Af- 
ter an absence of about a year, she returned 
with her husband and family, w4th her 
health considerably impaired, and was very 
cordially received by her friends, who cherish- 
ed a grateful remembrance of her former 
services. Her health gradually declined, 
though she usually attended meetings, until 
8th Month following, when she was at the 
Quarterly Meeting, and was enabled, very 
powerfully, to declare the all-sufficiency of 
Divine Grace to qualify for gospel services. 
After she was confined to her room, she 
would often remark to those who came to 
see her, the necessity there was of being 
prepared before they were reduced to such a 
state. 

She, in a composed frame of mind, asked 
her husband, if he could not freely be re- 
signed to see her released from a bed of 
distress, who answered, that he thought he 
could, whether by life or death ; she replied 
that her feelings were not as though she was 
going to meet an angry Judge, and intima- 



43 

ted an entire willingness to leave this eartWy 
tabernacle, saying, '' O that I could take 
the wings of a dove, and go to him whom 
my soul loveth." 

At several times, she prayed that she might 
be favoured to be resigned to Divine dispo- 
sal, and once when she suffered through ex- 
treme pains, said, that the dispensations of 
her dear Master to her, were all in wisdom 
for her further refinement. 

A short time before her departure, she said 
with an audible voice nearly thus : — " O 
blessed Lord, if it be thy will, cut short the 
work," which, together with a former peti- 
tion, that she might have an easy passage, 
seemed to be graciously granted to her, for 
in a few moments she laid herself down and 
breathed no more. 

She died, 3d of 12th Month, 1815, aged a- 
boutSl years, havingbeenaminister 33 years. 

Thus our beloved Friend closed her ser- 
vices, leaving an example of humility and 
resignation ; and verified the truth of the 
prophet's declaration, that, " the work of 
righteousness shall be peace ; and the effect 
of righteousness, quietness and assurance 
for ever.'' 



44 



The Testimony of Alexander Youngs approve 
ed by Plains Monthly Meeting^ concerning 
his son-in-law Jesse Haviland. 

As it is peculiarly interesting to mankind 
to trace the evidences of Divine Grace, in 
supporting the mind, and preserving it in a 
firm reliance thereon, through all the trials 
and exercises incident to this probationary 
state ; and especially so in the solemn view 
and prospect of a final separation from all 
temporal enjoyments ; I have thought it 
right to give the following testimony of the 
deceased. 

He was a young man who appeared to 
have been careful to support a life of morali- 
ty, yet he indulged in lightness in conversa- 
tion, and in deviations from plainness in 
dress, for which, at times, his mind was 
brought under powerful convictions, as ap- 
pears by the following acknowledgement to 
me, when returning from a religious meeting, 
near the first of my acquaintance with him : 
" As I came into the meeting-house," said 
he, " 1 was so struck with reproof, on ac- 



45 

count of some superfluity in my dress, that 
I felt myself quite unworthy of a seat with 
Friends, and it was very disagreeable to think 
of ranking myself with those who were most 
like me in appearance.'' This was to me 
an evidence that Truth was making way 
in his mind, for the accomplishment of its 
own work, which has in the end proved hum- 
bling to many minds. 

He was married to my daughter, Dorcas 
Young, in the 23d year of his age, and came 
to reside in my family, soon after which, he 
contracted a heavy cold, that continued on 
him several days, and on the 23d of 3d 
Month, I8I65 he was violently seized with a 
fever. 

As his constitution was strong, and his 
mind vigorous, a severe conflict was expe- 
rienced. It was extremely hard for him to 
submit to what appeared hkeiy to be the 
event ; but. the disorder progressing power- 
fully, he became alarmed, and calling to his 
mother, said, " I cannot live, and thou know- 
est I am not fit to die.'' From which view 
of his own state, he was deeply affected ; his 

exercise was great, and at times seemed to 

5# 



46 

be almost insupportable. His dissolution 
appeared to be fast approaching, whilst his 
mind continued under the awful impressions 
of a ^' fearful looking for of judgment and 
fiery indignation/' which seemed (o threaten 
a final separation from the enjoyment of Di- 
vine favour. 

Thus was the furnace prepared, and the 
day of the Lord known to burn as an oven, 
in which all the proud, and all that do wick- 
edly are as stubble." Such was the state of 
his mind, until Infinite Wisdom seeing it 
was enough, was pleased in mercy to lift up 
the light of his countenance upon him, and 
open a door of access into his Divine pre- 
sence. 

Soon after this happy change in the state 
of his mind, he called several times for me, 
and on my coming to him, he opened his 
arms, and affectionately embracing me, said 
to the following effect: — " I have found my- 
self in the arms of my heavenly Father's 
love and mercy ; he hath clothed my spirit 
with joy, and inspired my heart with the 
song of the angels to the shepherds : ' Fear 
not, for behold I bring you good tidings of 



4T 

great joy which shall be to all people, glorr 
to God in the highest, on earth, peace and 
good will towards men,' " And then ad- 
dressed his brothers and sisters-in-law in a 
tender and affectionate manner ; and as his 
last testimony of love to them, exhorted 
them to be very careful in the attendance of 
religious meetings \ and added, " I have 
found a heavy weight of judgment on me at 
this time, for some omissions of this great 
duty*'' He also desired them to beware of all 
kinds of superfluity in dress ; and said, " He 
who has brought salvation to my soul, is 
perfect in love and mercy : as all superflui- 
ty of dress is by the truth condemned, so all 
idle conversation, though accounted inno- 
cent, is now in the light of Truth set before 
me, and by its judgment is condemned ; be- 
ing out of the order of so holy a life and 
conversation as ever adorns the followers of 
Christ." He affectionately addressed his 
wife, desiring her not to mourn on his ac- 
count ; adding, '^ Although it is hard for us 
to part, yet as it the will of our great Master, 
it is but our reasonable duty to offer up our 
wills that they may become submissive to 



m 

His will. If I am taken away, I shall leave 
a world of trouble and of temptation, for 
one where there is nothing but joy, which 
flows from the presence of God's love and 
mercy." 

To a neighbour who came in, he said, '^If 
thou ever findest the way to life, t! ou wilt 
find it to be a straight and narrow way." 
Then addressing those present, desired that 
they might look on him as an example, 
and be warned of the uncertainty of time, 
and be prevailed upon to do their day's work 
in the day time, that they might not be over- 
taken as he had been, before their day's 
work was done. He then desired to be 
carried to his mother-in-law, who was con- 
fined with the same disorder, which being 
done, he left with her as a legacy, the ex- 
pression of that love with which his soul was 
so richly filled, to the strengthening and 
comforting her mind under her close trials ; 
and expressed his sense of our state of de- 
pendence on Divine protection to be such, 
that we had no power even to draw one 
breath without His superintending Provi-. 
dence. 



4a 

After which he continued very quiet (ot 
several days, during which time, hopes were 
entertained of his recovery, but about the 
ninth day of his illness, unfavourable symp- 
toms occurred ; his mind was solemnly 
clothed with the spirit of supplication, af- 
fecting to the feelings of those present. On 
the morning of the next day, standing by 
him, I observed his expressions to the fol- 
lowing effect : — '' Look on me who am not 
yet twenty-three years of age, and am sum- 
moned to appear before the Judge of quick 
and dead ; may I be a warning to those who 
are young, not to put off the great work of 
their souFs salvation ; may they be excited 
to give all diligence to ' make their calling 
and election sure,' " 

Soon after, he called me to his bed-side, 
and said, " I often feel as though I have 
great cause to be thankful, in that I have 
been favoured with as clear an evidence as 
I have.'' 

His brother and sister coming in, were 
much affected, but he continuing quiet till 
they became a little more composed, ad- 
dressed them in the following manner : "Dear 



50 



brother and sister, be warned by me not to 
put off this work, as 1 have done ; for how 
many are called without having scarcely a 
moment's warning ;" and then bore his tes- 
timony against all kinds of superfluity. Af- 
ter which he gave in charge what impressed 
his mind on account of his relatives, neigh- 
bours, and acquaintance, whom he could not 
see ; with a particular exhortation to dili- 
gence in the attendance of religious meet- 
ings, and requested that his love to all might 
be conveyed with this advice. 

A solemn quiet continued to pervade his 
mind as he drew near his close, and he ap- 
peared to be quite sensible whilst his strength 
enabled him to manifest it. 

He declined very fast until he breathed 
his last, on the 3d of the 4th Month, 1816. 



51 



The Testimony of Valentine Header and Hut 
dah Hoagj concerning Phebe Meader. 

Phebe Meader, daughter of Joseph and 
Huldah Hoag, was born at Nine Partners, 
in the year 1783, and her parents removed 
from thence and settled in Vermont, in that 
part which afterwards came within the limits 
of Ferrisburgh Monthly Meeting. This, their 
daughter, was early visited with the day- 
spring from on high ; by which her under- 
standing was illuminated to behold the 
beauty and excellency there is in Truth ; 
her affections, through the influence of Di- 
vine love, became much weaned from the 
enticing vanities by which the youthful mind 
is often led astray. 

She appeared in public testimony when 
quite young. Though not frequent, her 
communications were lively and edifying. 
In the year 1800, she was married to Valen- 
tine Meader. 

The care of their family frequently de- 
volved on her, and she cheerfully gave her 
husband up, when he apprehended the ser- 
vice of Truth called him from home. 



52 

After her return from a religious visit in 
the northern part of Ferrisburgh Quarterly 
Meeting, she went but little abroad ; but fre- 
quently mentioned that her time was short 
in this world, and about the 4th of the 5th 
Month, she was confined to her bed, and suf- 
fered severe pain, which she bore with be- 
coming patience. After much being done 
for her relief, she became more easy, and 
hopes were entertained of her recovery, 
which she said was possible, but very unlike- 
ly. Her mother observing that her disorder 
rather increased, and that she was wasting 
away, asked her if she was resigned to her 
situation, she answered that she was, and 
had been so a great while, except for a little 
time when she had felt more comfortable, 
and seeing her little ones about her, she had 
then thought it would be pleasing to be 
spared to assist in bringing them up ; but 
being sensible that the disorder was pro- 
gressing, she was favoured to resign them to 
the great Care-Taker, remarking that she 
had endeavoured to keep them from the ma- 
ny idle words which are used, even among 
the professors of religion ; and with hearing 



63 



of which she had been grieved. Being un- 
der exercise, she said, ''None of you know 
the tried condition of my mind, nor can you 
until you come to the like situation; it is 
a great thing indeed to meet my Judge.'' 

The most she had to accuse herself of, 
was the fear of man, and added, her dear 
Master came to forgive sins, and she had a 
hope he would forgive hers. One evening 
she said she had been thinking of the woe 
which is to the fearful and unbelieving, for 
neglecting the performance of their religious 
duties. She manifested that she had passed 
through many deep and proving exercises^ 
which is evinced by expressions left in 
manuscript, and found among her papers, 
some of which are as follows : — '^ My soul 
panteth after the return of thy holy presence ; 
why hast thou been pleased so long to hide 
thy face from me, and leave my soul in this 
long ^vintry state, almost to lose sight of thee ? 
When wi!t thou arise for my help ? May it 
be in thy own time, and until then, may I be 
content and learn to kiss thy holy rod, with- 
out murmuring, and say, thy will be done. 
When shall I arrive to this ? O never, but 

6 



54 



through thy infinite goodness. Again, my 
soul mehs before thee, when I contemplate 
the awful necessity of the Christian traveller 
keeping upon the true watch; not rising 
above the pure witness, nor sinking beneath 
what is consistent with thy Divine Will.'' 
She often said, the Lord was exceeding 
good to her, and had been so all her life long, 
an unworthy worm as she saw herself to be ; 
saying, what could she do on her bed of 
sickness, if she had neglected her soul's sal- 
vation in time of health ; that she had 
enough to do to bear her sickness with resig- 
nation and necessary patience, to examine 
all her steps through time, and take the re- 
pose needful for the body ; that she did not 
find any thing to stand in her way, and that 
she was favoured with peace and quietude 
of mind. As her weakness and distress for 
breath increased, she would pray her pa- 
tience might continue, in waiting her dear 
Master's time ; and at one time expressed 
something like a desire of having a greater 
evidence of her future happiness. But after 
a short pause, seemed to be satisfied there 
was no need of asking that, believing she 



55 

had seen her place of rest in its excellent 
beauty ; and if she should have a constant 
sight thereof, she might become impatient in 
waiting the Lord's time. 

Observing her mother to shed tears, she 
said, '' Dear mother, do not v^eep; thy tears 
cannot avail any thing, let resignation be 
ours- Second day, 20th of 6th Month, there 
being some appearance of her speedy disso- 
lution, she said, " It is joyful, but how will 
my dear husband meet the event ; may he 
be supported with Christian fortitude." 

Being again more comfortable, a small ray 
of hope of her recovery, was admitted by 
some of her friends. On 5th day morning, 
after raising much, from an ulcer, she said, 
^^ all my friends may give me up." Seventh 
day morning, she seemed restless, asked the 
reason, and desired to be moved ; on being 
told it might be the approach of death, said, 
she hoped not in such a trying time, for she 
had desired a quiet calm, when death 
should appear, and that she might be kept in 
patience. 

She said, she thought she should not go 
then, she had not finished her portion of suf- 



56 

fering ; being moved again, said, " Ah ! mo- 
ther, thou canst not tell what an alteration 
there is in my feelings ;'' and she was then 
quiet and easy. About four o'clock appear- 
ing to fail fast, she took leave of her rela- 
tions, to some of whom she gave good ad- 
vice ; after which she said, remember me 
to all my relations and friends far and near ; 
soon after, she failed, so that it was thought 
she would have passed away. But in a 
little time she revived, and there being a 
nunjber of youth present, she spoke with an 
audible voice nearly as follows : — " Dear 
children, I feel that I love you^ and there i& 
a mansion prepared for you in the heavens, 
that fadeth not away, if you fear, worship^ 
and obey the Lord, walk humbly before him 
all your days ;" with more, not remembered. 
After which she prayed, but with so weak a 
voice as not fully to be understood, theu de- 
sired to be turned in bed, that she might get 
a little sleep ; it being done, she slept for 
some time, which had not been the case for 
several days, after which she suffered much 
bodily conflict, and was at times a little scat- 
tered io mind, which she soon perceived, aud 



57 

spoke of it, desiring that she might be fa- 
voured with her understanding at the last. 

She lay very quiet until Second day, when 
being informed that her close was probably 
near at hand, she said, " It is joyfuK" Her fa- 
ther being in an adjoining room, asked \vhat 
she said, she again repeated, " It is joyful, 
joyful, joyful ;" and after a pause, spoke of 
her unfeigned love for all her dear brethren, 
with desires that they might love the Lord 
with all their hearts, and serve him with 
perfect resignation, in deep humility and 
self-denial ; that our willings and toiling 
were but vanity and vexation of spirit, when 
out of the power and authority of God. 
She then supplicated nearly as follows : — 
" Oh ! that all my dear brethren and chil- 
dren may be preserved in the way everlast- 
ing, walking worthy of the vocation whereun- 
to they are called ;" then turning to those 
around, said, " this has been my prayer in 
early youth when in this wilderness land, 
often strewing my tears in secret under the 
green trees. It has also been my prayer from 
my youth up, that the Lord's will might be 

done by and through me. She mention- 

6# 



1 



58 



ed that she had experienced many deep 
wadings when she had fallen short of her 
duty. Then being still and quiet, she pass- 
ed away without struggle, sigh, or groan, 
having her understanding clear to the last ; 
and, we trust, she is gathered to the just of all 
generations. She departed this life, on the 
1st of 7th Month, 1816, aged 33 years/ 



1 



59 



A Testimony of Junius Monthly Meetings in 
the State of New- York^ concerning our be- 
loved Friend Elizabeth Jones. 

She was born in New-Jersey^ Sussex 
County, the 2d of lOth Month, 1783. About 
the seventeenth year of her age, she was 
married to our Friend Joseph Jones, and 
settled at Farmington, where she became ac- 
quainted with Friends, and being there con- 
vinced of the rectitude of their religious 
principles, she became a member of the 
society, and an example of piety and virtue. 

She was a person of but few words, yet of 
a cheerful disposition and agreeable conver- 
sation, very careful not to say any thing 
that would operate to the disadvantage of 
any ; and was troubled to hear of others 
being unguarded in this respect. She was 
an affectionate wife, a tender mother, and 
very careful in discharging her duty in her 
family, and anxious that her children might 
be preserved in innocency, and out of the 
vain fashions and customs of the world. 

She was a diligent attender of our religious 



60 

meetings, when ability of body would per» 
mit ; and a useful member of society, hav- 
ing for some time previous to her decease 
acceptably filled the station of an elder in 
the church. 

The year before her decease, she removed 
with her husband within the limits of this 
meeting, and shortly after was visited with 
a lingering indisposition ; and her declining 
health induced her to apprehend that her 
stay in mutability would not be long. She 
experienced some low, trying seasons ; yet 
said, she knew^ of nothing standing in her 
way ; but a little time before her removal, 
it pleased Divine Providence to afford 
her a full evidence that all was well, and 
manifested no alarm at the approach of 
death, but said that she was entirely willing 
to go, and took her last leave of her family 
and those present. 

On observing them to weep, she desired 
them not to weep, for she was going where 
there would be no trouble. 

She quietly departed this life, the 7th of 
11th Month, 1816. 



61 



A Testimony of the Monthly Meeting of Corn- 
wall J concerning David Sands. 

He was the son of Nathaniel and Mercy 
Sands, of Cow Neck, on Long-Island, and 
born the 4th day of the 10th Month, 1745. 
He came among Friends by convincement, 
and appeared in the ministry about the 27th 
year of his age, in which service he labour- 
ed abundantly, both at home and abroad ; 
having devoted the greater part of his life 
from his entrance into the ministry, in visit- 
ing Friends and in appointing meetings 
amongst other denominations ; and we have 
reason to believe that he has been instru- 
mental in stirring up, and convincing con- 
siderable numbers in many places, as he 
was led very much to feel and sympathize 
with the religiously exercised of all denomi- 
nations, and he was often qualified to reach 
those in a more insensible state. 

He visited New-England divers times in 
the course of his life, and it appears to have 
been a principal field of religious exercise 
and labour with him. On his first visit m 



62 

those parts, there appeared to be very little 
convincement in many places ; but by 
faithfully labouring in obedience to Divine 
direction, he was made instrumental in 
gathering several meetings, and where he 
travelled and laboured in some parts of that 
country, Friends have so far increased, as 
now to hold both Monthly and Quarterly 
Meetings. 

He also visited Pennsylvania divers tirtieSj 
and some of the Southern States, as well as 
performed several religious visits to the 
families of Friends of the cities of New-York 
and Philadelphia. He likewise laboured ex- 
tensively within the compass of the Yearly 
Meeting to which he belonged, and was 
particularly useful in the first rise and spread- 
ing of the Society, on the west side of Hud- 
son River, within the verge of Cornwall 
Quarterly Meetings 

He also visited Europe, and informed u$ 
on his return, that he had visited the Islands 
of Great Britain, Ireland, Jersey, and Gurn- 
sey, and attended all the meetings of Friends 
that he had an account of on the continent. 
He also travelled much in France, Germa- 



63 

ny, and other parts of the continent, in which 
he had frequent opportunities of religious 
conferences with others not of our Society, 
and his returning certificates evinced the 
satisfaction of his Friends with his rehgious 
services amongst them. After his return 
from Europe, he visited occasionally many 
places within the verge of our own Yearly 
Meeting, and also paid a religious visit to 
Canada and the city of Quebec, in the 
w^inter season, and shortly after his return 
he set out on his last visit to New-England, 
in which he was from home about a year. 

This our dear Friend experienced many 
vicissitudes and trials in the prosecution of 
his temporal concerns through life, and was 
frequently tried with much bodily indisposi- 
tion. However none of these things seemed 
to abate his concern for the accomplishment 
of what appeared to be his religious duty. 

He appeared to be much exercised on 
account of many speculative and unsound 
opinions that are circulating in the present 
day, and was often led to caution his Friends 
lest they should be drawn aside by them, 
and to recommend them to maintain that 



64 

simplicity and stability in principle and 
practice, that was so conspicuous in our 
worthy ancestors. He was very particular 
in noticing strangers that attended our re- 
ligious meetings, as well as in exercising a 
fatherly care and sympathy with the mem- 
bers of our Society, who were within the 
compass of his labours. 

The latter part of his life, he seemed to be 
occupied very much about home, and was 
made particularly useful in bringing forward 
some under religious exercise in his own 
neighbourhood ; and near his close, he was 
engaged in a family visit to Friends of Corn- 
wall Monthly Meeting, which he partly ac- 
comphshed, and was favoured to attend our 
first-day meeting the same week he died, 
and whilst on his way there, signified, he 
thought it would be the last he should ever 
attend. He appeared to be much strength- 
ened in the public testimony he bore in it, 
and at his return he expressed, that he felt 
great satisfaction in being there, and that a 
more than ordinary sweetness seemed to 
cover his spirit. 

He had often expressed a desire that he 



65 

might not experience much bodily pain, in 
the closing scene, and was favoured to have 
his desire granted, and to part with his 
Friends in much composure and quietness, 
as one falling into a sweet sleep, on the 
4th day of the 6th Month, 1818, aged 72 
years, having been a minister about 45 
years. 

Thus ended the pilgrimage of this our 
much beloved Friend, who after a life of 
many and close conflicts, and great travel 
and exercise, was favoured, we trust, td 
arrive safe in the haven of everlasting rest, 
out of the reach of storms and tempests, 
and beyond the noise of archers. May 
we his survivors be engaged to imitate him 
in all his virtues and religious industry, that 
so in the conclusion of time, we may be also 
favoured with the reward of that peace and 
everlasting consolation, which we humbly 
hope is now his portion. 



66 



A Testimony of the Monthly Meeting of Gal- 
ivay^ concerning Rufus Hall. 

He was born in the town of Exeter, in the 
State of Rhode-Island, the 8th of the 6th 
Month, 1744. His parents, Samuel and 
Dinah Hall, were members of our society, 
and careful to educate him in a manner 
consistent with its religious principles. And 
from his own account, he appears to have 
been sensible of serious impressions on his 
mind in very early life. 

About the tenth year of his age, his pa- 
rents removed to Dutchess County, in this 
State, and he became exposed to the in- 
fluence of vicious and unprofitable company; 
and through temptation and the levity inci- 
dent to youth, he was frequently drawn into 
vanity and dissipation ; but being followed 
from time to time, by the reproofs of instruc- 
tion, and repeatedly made sensible of the 
danger that awaited him, he at length be- 
came willing to deny himself the gratifica- 
tion of his evil propensities, and yielding to 
the humbling, sanctifying power of the spirit 



67 



of Truth, he therein experienced the conso- 
lation of his heavenly Father's love, and en- 
deavouring to abide under the influence of 
that which had thus measurably effected his 
emancipation from the power of evil, he 
witnessed an increase of strength, and an 
advancement in religious experience, and 
through deep and repeated baptisms, be- 
came prepared for service in the church, and 
appeared in public ministry about the 26th 
year of his age. 

In the exercise of his gift, he was careful 
not to minister without a renewed qualifica- 
tion ; his language was plain and simple, 
and he often communicated instructive coun- 
sel from the most common occurrences. 

In the year 1775, he removed with his 
family to Saratoga, (now Easton.) His first 
visit abroad was to Friends in New England, 
in which he suffered close exercise and con- 
flict of mind, but endeavouring to attend 
strictly to the pointings of duty, he was fa- 
voured to accomplish it to the peace of his 
own mind, and, we believe, to the satisfac- 
tion of those he visited. 

He also visited the families of Easton 



6& 

Quarterly Meeting, which was at that time* 
very extensive, and afterwards Friends in 
the western parts of this State three times, 
Upper Canada twice, and the southern quar- 
ter of this Yearly Meeting once, producing, 
on his return, satisfactory accounts of the 
unity of Friends with his services amongst 
them. He likewise performed several other 
journeys of less extent. 

In the year 1804, under an apprehension 
of duty, he removed to Northampton, in the 
compass of this meeting. And while his 
health permitted, was diligent in the atten- 
dance of our religious meetings, and fre- 
quently concerned to encourage others to 
be faithful in the discharge of that important 
duty. 

For several years, he suffered much bodi- 
ly indisposition, which he bore with becom- 
ing patience and fortitude ; and when able 
to attend meetings, was frequently strength- 
ened to rise superior to the pressure of dis- 
ease, and the increasing infirmities of age, 
and in the flowings of gospel love, to bear 
testimony to the efficacy of the Divine prin- 
ciple of light and grace ; and to invite others 



69 

to an unreserved submission and obedience 
thereto, that they might experience for them- 
selves that the Lord is good. In him, we 
think, was verified the declaration of the 
Psahnist : — " Those that be planted in the 
house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts 
of our God : they shall still bring forth fruit in 
old age ; they shall be fat and flourishing." 
His indisposition increasing, he became con- 
fined to his bed the fore part of the 5th 
Month, At one time, being turned on his 
side, he complained of much distress, and 
said, " If it was for the best, he hoped it 
might be the last time,'' adding, " I se^ 
nothing in my way, but desire to be patient, 
and wait the Lord's time." Soon after, he 
uttered the following prayer : — '' O Lord^ 
how many times have I felt the incomes of 
thy Divine love, why should I doubt any 
longer ? O Lord, forsake me not now in my 
most trying moments, but bear me up as 
in the hollow of thy hand ; take me from 
this body if it be thy will, that I may be de- 
livered from these afflictions, and enjoy thy 
peace, which has been reserved for me, and 
for all those that love the appearance of the 



70 

Lord Jesus Chrisf A few days after, he 
Appearing better, something was said about 
his getting about again ; he replied, that if 
he should, it would be a miracle, and added, 
^* 1 have nothing to do but to be patient, and 
endure to the end, for it is the end that 
crowns alL'' At another time he said, ^^My 
work is done," and soon after ejtpired, the 
26th of the 5th Month, 1818, aged nearly 74 
yearso 



'71 



The Testmony of Cornwall Quarterly MeeU 
ing^ concerning James Hallock. 

This our beloved Frifend was the son of 
Edward and Phebe Hallock, and was born 
on Long Island, 1st of 12th Month, in the 
year 1761 ; and when quite young removed 
with them to this part of the country ; and 
being remote from any Friends' meeting, 
his father felt his mind engaged to sit down 
with his family on the first-day of the week, 
to wait on the Lord, and as he yielded 
thereto faithfully, it proved profitable to him- 
self, and tended much to the preservation 
and religious welfare of his family, and he 
continued the practice until a meeting was 
settled at his house. 

As our dear Friend grew towards man's 
estate, he was of a volatile disposition, and 
inclined to levity and youthful amusements; 
but being under the watchful care of reli- 
gious parents, he was early taught the ne- 
cessity of attending to the convictions of 
Truth, which he felt at times even while 
young, powerfully striving with him, in 



n 

order to restrain his feet from the paths of 
folly ; and he was in a good measure pre- 
served from its contaminating effects. Yet 
he did not fully submit to the inward opera- 
tions of this sanctifying power, until it pleas- 
ed Divine Providence to visit him with an 
illness, which seemed to threaten a speedy 
dissolution. 

About the 23d year of his age, he wagj 
married to Elizabeth Townsend, (who prov- 
ed a valuable help-meet to him,) and havinga 
large family of children, he appeared much 
concerned to discharge the important duties 
of a parent, not only in providing for their 
support, but in endeavouring to train them 
up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. 

Apprehending himself called to the work 
of the ministry, he gave up thereto, and 
growing in his gift, he became qualified for 
usefulness in the church of Christ, and from 
a persuasion of religious duty, visited diffe- 
rent parts of our Yearly Meeting, he also 
performed several more extensive visits to 
other Yearly Meetings. 

The last religious service he was engaged 
in, was an extensive visit to Friends in the 



73 

Southern and Western States, in which it ap- 
pears from divers written testimonies that his 
services were satisfactory. In the course of 
this visit, as he was returning homeward, he 
was taken ill, but still continued to travel 
and appoint meetings for several days, until 
he reached the house of Samuel Lucas, 
near Sandy Spring Meeting, in Maryland, 
where he was confined : and during this 
trying dispensation, he enjoyed a comforta- 
ble degree of quiet resignation, and said, 
that if he could have foreseen the present 
dispensation, he did not believe it would 
have withheld him one day from coming. 

During his illness, he uttered divers ex- 
pressions, some of which being preserved 
by those who attended him, are as follow. 

In the early part of his sickness, he said, 
he had settled his affairs, and left his home 
as though he might never return, and that 
he had never been able to see through, or 
to the end of this journey. To a Friend sit- 
ting by his bed side, he said, " Surely I am a 
w^orm and no man ; but the Lord hath led me 
about and instructed me, he hath preserved 
me all my life long, even from the early age 



74 

of nine years his goodness has been made 
known." About two days previous to his 
close, he desired a Friend who was attend- 
ing him, to inform Friends that he felt 
nothing in the way of a happy state, his con- 
fidence did not fail, and that he felt entirely 
resigned. 

He also remarked to the Friend, that re- 
ligious topics might be conversed on, but 
the possession was all. 

Declining food and medicine, he desired 
to close his life without either, saying, " Let 
me die, my soul is ready.'^ 

He quietly departed this life, the 23rd of 
3rd Month, 1820, aged 59 years, furnishing 
a renewed testimony that "^the work of right- 
eousness is peace, and the effect of right- 
eousness, quietness £^nd assurance forever.^ 



75 



A Memorial of the Monthly Meeting of New- 
Yorky concerning John Murray, Jun- 

As it has been the practice of our Society, 
to preserve some account of those whose 
lives and religious attainments have afforded 
an edifying example to their cotempora- 
ries, this meeting has felt a concern to cher- 
ish by such a statement, the memory of our 
late valued Friend. 

He was born in New-York, on the 3rd 
day of the 8th Month, 1758 ; and was edu- 
cated by his parents, Robert and Mary 
Murray, agreeably to the profession of our 
Society. In his youth, he was remarkable 
for a more than usual vivacity of disposition, 
by the predominance of which, until after 
he had attained the period of manhood, he 
was drawn into the indulgence of levity, 
which was often manifested in his dress and 
demeanour ; but though thus prone to vanity, 
the precepts of education and the workings 
of Divine Grace upon his heart, were not 
lost upon him. He was restrained as we 
believe from all gross evils. In the 26th 



76 

year of his age, he was married to Catharine 
the daughter of our Friends, James and 
Caroline Bowne, of Flushing. His mind, 
prior to this important period, had become 
more sedate, and the infinite superiority of 
a life devoted to the services of his Maker, 
and the good of his fellow-creatures, had 
begun to unfold itself, with convictive evi- 
dence on his understanding. 

From consideration of religious duty, he 
entered early into the disciplinary concerns of 
the Society, and evinced by his faithfulness 
to its service, that the doctrines and testimo- 
nies of Friends, were the established princi- 
ples of his faith and practice. 

As he grew in age and experience, his 
sphere of usefulness increased. A solici- 
tude for the welfare of the Society, and for 
an advancement of the truths we profess, 
was a feeling which evidently accompanied 
his services in the church. The spirit which 
appeared to animate his movements, in all 
concerns of the discipline, was that of love, 
which manifested itself in a tenderness for 
the rights and feelings of others ; yet com- 
bined with that firmness which the truth 
inspires. 



77 



For the station of overseer, which he 
filled through along course of years, he was 
eminently qualified, by the gentleness and 
kindness of his mannerSj by the earnestness 
and plainness with which he endeavoured 
to convince and reclaim offenders, and by 
his prompt and early attention to cases re- 
quiring his notice. In the capacity of an 
elder, the duties of which, he also performed 
during many years ; his meekness and faith- 
fulness will long be remembered by his sur- 
viving friends. 

■ But though he was zealous for the promo- 
tion of the principles embraced by our Socie- 
ty, his mind was clothed with charitv towards 
all other religious professors, fully believing 
that '' God is no respecter of persons ; but 
that in every nation, he that feareth him 
and worketh righteousness, is accepted with 
him.'' 

Having many years before his decease, 
gradually withdrawn himself from the cares 
of business, he devoted nearly the whole of 
his time to the concerns of religious society, 
and to the promotion of such objects of 
public and private benevolence, as he 

8 



78 

believed would tend to advance the happi- 
ness of his fellow-creatures. To the poor 
he was a steady friend. The surplus of his 
income, was, it is believed, expended in acts 
of charity ; and in order that he might have 
the more to give, he believed it his duty to 
regulate the expenses of his family, with 
much frugality. But in the exercise of hos- 
pitality towards his friends of every rank, he 
w^as truly remarkable ; his house being open 
to their reception and entertainment : and 
it appears that in the same spirit of benevo- 
lence, he has directed in his will, the appro- 
priation of part of his property, to several 
individuals in limited circumstances. He 
also made several bequests, to public chari- 
table institutions. 

The suffering condition of the Indians, 
excited his early sympathy. In company 
with other Friends, he visited at various 
times, several of the tribes, and contributed 
on other occasions a portion of his time and 
means, to their improvement, and the alle- 
viation of their sufferings. The African 
race were also the objects of his zealous con- 
cern, and to promote the freedom of those 



79 

held in slavery, the education of their chil- 
dren,and the temporal and religious welfare of 
this oppressed class of our fellow-men, much 
of his time, and of his worldly substance 
was cheerfully devoted. 

We believe it may be truly said of this 
dear Friend, that his mind was strongly 
imbued with that saving faith, which works 
by love to the purifying of the heart. Hav- 
ing felt the convictive evidences of truth, 
and been taught by early experience, to 
understand the delusive workings of the 
selfish principle in man, he yielded to the 
iTianifestations of that Light, which revealed 
to him the will of his Creator; and he not 
only went about doing good, but endeavour- 
ed by his own private example and deport- 
ment, to convince all who knew him, that he 
considered the vi^ays of virtue, as the ways of 
pleasantness,and that all her paths are peace. 

For several years prior to his death, he 
was afflicted with lameness, accompanied 
with almost continued bodily pain, yet anx 
ious to be found at the post of usefulness, he 
surmounted these difficulties, to the admi- 
ration of his friends, and often when enfee- 



80 

bled by pain and confinement, he continued 
to animate by his presence, the work of 
charity, and to encourage by his diligent 
attendance of meetings, his fellow-members 
to the faithful discharge of their religious 
duties. His weakness and pain of body 
continuing to increase, he was confined to 
his chamber, the greater part of the last 
three months of his life. He endured his 
sufferings with true Christian resignation, 
fortified, as we humbly trust, with the pious 
confidence, that by a life of dedication, 
the termination of his present afflictions, 
w^ould, through the mercy of his Redeemer, 
open to him the blissful enjoyment of those 
maiisions, where pain and sorrow are no 
more known. 

He died at Flushing, on Long-Island, on 
the 4th day of 8th Month, 1819, aged about 
6l years. 



81 



A Testimony of the Monthly Meeting of Jeri- 
cho ^concerning our Friend Fry Willis. 

Being sensibly affected with the loss we 
have sustained in the removal of this our 
beloved Friend, we feel our minds engaged 
to preserve the following memorial concern- 
ing him, in the hope that this account of his 
pious and exemplary life, may tend to stir 
up the pure mind in his survivors. 

He was born near Jericho, the 9th of 4th 
Month, 1744, O. S., of religious parents, 
Samuel and Mary Willis, by whose example 
he was encouraged in piety, and instructed 
in the principles of Truth ; and by yielding 
to its operations, it appears that he was early 
led into the path of rectitude : and through 
that period of life when the youthful mind 
is most apt to be drawn away by lying vani- 
ties, he was preserved in an uncommon de- 
gree of stability, of plainness, and simplicity, 
and continued to be a good example herein 
through life, and concerned for its support in 
the society. 

About the age of twenty-six, he was mar- 

8# 



82 



ried to Anne, the daughter of our esteemed 
Friend, Thomas Seaman, to whom he was 
a faithful and affectionate husband, and in 
the education of his children, he was care- 
ful to keep them in plainness, and a line of 
conduct consistent with our profession ; often 
endeavouring to impress on their minds, as 
well as the youth more generally, the pro- 
priety and advantage of faithfully supporting 
this Christian testimony. 

Having, as we believe, early yielded to 
the preserving and regulating principle of 
Truth in his own heart, he became remark- 
able for his integrity and uprightness ; he 
was charitable to the poor, and very ready to 
assist them in their necessities ; he delighted 
to entertain his friends, and enjoyed much 
satisfaction in their company ; he was endu- 
ed with a sound understanding, and was 
remarkable for an unaffected simplicity 
throughout his whole conversation ; so that, 
we believe, he was justly esteemed, "an 
Israelite indeed." He was especially con- 
cerned for the preservation of good order in 
our religious society, and was a diligent at- 
tender of meetings for worship and discipline, 



ff3 

not having omitted the attendance of the 
Yearly Meeting during the last sixty years of 
his life ; he was an example of solid waiting 
in them, and indeed the sense he had of the 
solemnity of Divine worship, appeared on 
his countenance when entering the meeting- 
house. 

He filled \he important station of an elder 
in the church, nearly 46 years, and, vve be- 
lieve, discharged the trust reposed in him to 
the satisfaction of his friends. 

In advanced life, his concern for the pros- 
perity of Truth evidently remained unabated, 
as appeared not only by his uniform exam- 
ple, but also at times by his remarks in meet- 
ings for discipline ; and especially in some 
of the latter Quarterly and Yearly Meetings 
he attended, reminding Friends that he had 
attended those meetings many years, and 
that now he was looking forward to the close 
of time, and expressing his solicitude for the 
preservation of good order, and in a particu- 
lar manner that the beloved youth might be 
duly impressed with a sense of the impor- 
tance of the testimonies given us to bear. 
Thus he continued we believe faithfully 



84 



filling tip his measure, in his generation, 
even in old age; and toward the closing pe- 
riod of life, it was observed by some of his 
friends, that his mind appeared to be increas- 
ingly gathered into a state of quietude and 
patient waiting, so that we trust he was well 
prepared for the sudden illness, (supposed 
to be of an apoplectic kind,) with which he 
was attacked, and of which he died on the 
22d of 3d Month, 1820. \ 



85' 



A Memorial of Creek Monthly Meetings con- 
cerning our Friend Naomi Halsied. 

She was the daughter of our Friends, 
John and Anna Cromwell, members of 
Purchase Monthly Meeting, from whom 
she received a religious education. She 
was favoured in early life, (as she often ex- 
pressed,) to see the necessity of becoming 
redeemed fiom the vanities of the world, 
and of following her Divine Master, in the 
way of his requirings. It appears that she 
yielded to those Divine impressions; and 
dedicated the morning of her days to the 
service of Him, who had thus mercifully 
called her into his vineyard. And about 
the twenty-first year of her age, came 
forth in the ministry, very acceptably to her 
friends. 

Her devotion to the cause of righteous- 
ness, and consistent conduct at that early 
period of life, rendered her, it is believed, 
peculiarly useful in the meeting, where she 
resided; being zealously concerned for the 
right order and management of church dis- 
cipline. 



86 

She was united in marriage with our 
Friend David Halsted, to whom she was a 
prudent and affectionate wife ; and in the 
important charge of a numerous offspring, 
she was qualified to walk uprightly before 
them, and to watch over them, in their ten- 
der years, with the fervent concern and care 
of a godly parent ; hence she was often en- 
gaged to seek for opportunities of religious 
retirement in her family ; and to inculcate 
the necessity of silent waiting upon the 
Lordj in order that they might receive 
strength to persevere in the highway of ho- 
liness. 

In the year 1801, she removed with her 
husband and family, within the limits of 
this meeting; where she was much esteem- 
ed by Friends and others ; evincing a heart- 
felt solicitude, that the conduct of the mem- 
bers of our Society might comport with 
their religious profession : when she saw 
any thing that indicated a departure in this 
respect, she was careful to labour, as way 
opened, in the spirit of restoring love, to re- 
claim such ; and as her services were tem- 
pered with true Christian charity, they were 
often crowned with success. 



87 

Her ministry was sound and edityingj and 
being enforced by a corresponding example, 
her labours were eminently useful. In the 
exercise of her gift^ she visited different parts 
of this yearly meeting, and was frequently 
engaged in the important service of visiting 
families ; and once attended the Yearly 
Meeting on Rhode-Island, and some meet- 
ings constituting it, all of which we believe 
were performed to the satisfaction of Friends, 
and to the peace of her own mind. 

Under the influence of Christian love, her 
heart was prepared to commisserate the 
sufferings of the oppressed part of the human 
family, and was strictly careful that no act 
of hers, should strengthen the hands of the 
oppressor. 

To the indigent and afflicted, she often 
administered comfort and consolation, with- 
out regard to sect or colour. 

Having experienced the blessed effects of 
an early sacrifice, she was deeply interested 
for the youth, that they might in the morning 
of their days embrace the precious invita- 
tions of redeeming love ; and follow Him, 
who had called them to glory and to virtue, 



88 



with unreserved dedication of heart; and 
that in their future walks in Hfe, they might 
be preserved from the contaminating influ- 
ence of the spirit of the world : that the in- 
ordinate pursuit of uncertain riches, should 
not prevent their obtaining an inheritance 
incorruptible. She was of a cheerful dispo- 
sition, and her conversation was instructive ; 
but she was careful to avoid all improper 
lightness, and to discourage it in others, 
saying, '^ where this was given way to, weak- 
ness would ensue,'' 

For many years she laboured under bodi- 
ly infirmities, yet her zeal for the cause of 
truth and its testimonies, did not abate. 

In the latter part of the 8th Month, in the 
year 1819, she was taken ill, and w^as con- 
fined for several weeks ; she recovered how- 
ever so far, as to attend some meetings. In 
the 10th Month, the disorder returned, and 
she became sensible of her approaching dis- 
solution, and said, "The conflict would soon 
be over." 

She expressed a desire, that she might be 
favoured with patience in this time of trial, 
which was mercifully granted, evidently 



89 

having this consolation, that, '^ The work of 
righteousness is peace, and the effect there- 
of, quietness and assurance forever. She 
said to those around her, ^^ What a precious 
thing it is to have truth on our side, at such 
a time as this,'' and added, '^ I feel it so." 
At another time, she said to her children, 
" I feel more for you than I can express," 
adding, '^ the true and living God will keep 
covenant with the night, as with the day." 
A few hours before her decease, she request- 
ed the family to sit ]down in her room ; 
after a time of solemn silence, she expressed 
her thankfulness for the consolation her 
mind had experienced at that time, that she 
felt her strength renewed, and then addres- 
sed her children, as follows: — '^My dear 
children, if you are faithful, your peace will 
be as a river, and your righteousness, as the 
waves of the sea. 

She departed this life, the 20th of the 
nth Month, 1819, aged 62, a minister 41 
years. 



9 



90 



A Memorial of Stanford Monthly Meetings 
concerning our Friend Comfort Upton. 

Her parents were Stephen and Esther 
Chase, of the State of Massachusetts. In 
the 23d year of her age, she was married to 
our Friend Samuel Upton ; and with him 
removed into these parts. In about the 33d 
year of her age, she appeared acceptably 
in the ministry ; her life and conversation 
corresponding with her profession. 

She was an affectionate wife, and in 
the discharge of that important station, 
she was a pattern worthy of imitation ; 
manifesting by her example, that she was 
careful to live within the bounds of their 
circumstances ; and being a tender parent, 
was concerned for the education of their 
children, using her religious endeavours, to 
train them up in the simplicity and plain- 
ness becoming the Christian Religion ; and 
that concern was not confined to her own 
family, but her faithful labours in the trans- 
action of the discipline of the church, we 
believe often tended to the edification of the 



91 

body, and in particular, in relatiori to the 
religious education of children ; being often 
engaged to encourage Friends, to a faithful 
discharge of their duty. She manifested to 
the last, an increasing concern for the youth, 
that they might be brought up in the nurture 
and admonition of the Lord. By submis- 
sion to the Divine Will, she became quali- 
fied to hold forth to others the inviting lan- 
guage, come taste and see that the Lord is 
good. 

She was much engaged for the promotion 
of love and unity^ and that the members of 
our Society might live in Christian fellow- 
ship ; and her pious example and upright 
walking have proved a blessing to many. 
Though of a slender bodily constitution, she 
was a diligent attender of ourreHgious meet- 
ings, waiting in meekness and patience for the 
arising of that life, which can alone qualify 
for the performance of true and acceptable 
w^orship to the Great Head of the church. 
She frequently visited neighbouring meet- 
ings, and sometimes the families of Friends, 
on which occasions, she was an encourager 
of the humble minded, recommending a due 



92 

attention and dependence on that arm of 
Divine Power, which is the alone helper and 
preserver of the rightly engaged every 
w^here. As she advanced in age, her bodilj 
infirmities increased, yet her attachment 
and love to the truth vras manifested in that 
state of debility, by her unremitted exerlions 
to attend oiir religious meetings ; and when 
there, she w^as frequently enabled to espouse 
the cause of righteousness, manifesting an 
earnest solicitude, that all might be willing 
to forsake the follies and vanities of this 
transitory world, and embrace the, offers of 
Divine Grace, whilst the day of their visita- 
tion continued. 

During her last illness, which was severe, 
she appeared to have little more to do, than 
to bear the pains of the body; having 
been engaged to do her day's work in the 
day time, and we believe, she was favoured 
to experience the close thereof, to be peace. 
She quietly breathed her last, on the 3d of 
4th Month, 1818, aged nearly 68 years. 



93 



The Testimony of Starksborough Monthly 
Meetings concerning H^nry Chase. 

He was bom at Oblong, Dutchess Coun- 
ty, in the Stale of New-York, the 1st of 12th 
Month, 1757, of religious parents, Henry and 
Mary Chase, by whom he was carefully 
educated in the principles of Truth, as pro- 
fessed by our Society. 

He was of an orderly life, and being a 
lover of peace himself, his endeavours to 
promote it amongst others, and to reconcile 
parties at variance, often proved useful. He 
was a faithful labourer in the church, and, 
though a man of few words, his judgment 
was sound and clear, which under the influ- 
ence of the Spirit of Truth, rendered him 
serviceable therein, by his forbearance, meek- 
ness, and love, preserving the esteem of those 
with whom he laboured. 

In the latter part of his life, he faithfully 
discharged his duty in the important station 
of an elder. He was an affectionate hus- 
band and parent, and in the education of his 
children, manifested a living concern to guard 

9* 



94 

their tender minds against the evils to which 
youth are exposed. 

About the beginning of the year 1819, he 
was taken with an illness, under which he 
gradually declined, and was at times afflict- 
ed with severe pains, which he bore with be- 
coming patience, frequently expressing the 
need of being resigned. In an opportunity 
a short time before his decease, a few words 
being spoken by some present, expressive of 
the spiritual nearness that was felt to circu- 
late ; he spoke in substance as follows : — 
" The present opportunity has been a great 
consolation to me ; I feel as though there 
was nothing in my way ; I desire to be pa- 
tient, and keep in the quiet, having my mind 
wholly centered in the truth ; I desire no other 
covering than the Truth. Oh ! how good 
the Lord is ; his power is great ; I feel it to 
be near at this trying time, for which I am 
thankful : seek for it, keep near to it, live in 
it, abide under it; it will keep you from 
harm ; — my hope is in it, therefore mourn 
not for me ; love one another ; keep from 
lightness in conversation. 1 have nothing to 
accuse any of; I feel nothing butt love to- 
wards any mortal." 



95 



In the latter part of his sickness, he fre- 
quently enjoined it on the different branches 
of his family, to be faithful in little things, and 
to live in love with each other. Being asked 
if he w^as willing to leave the world, he re- 
plied, that it would have been his choice to 
stay longer with his family if it was right, but 
added, " The Lord's will be done.'' 

The 23d of the 8th Month, an appearance 
of a change taking place, the family was 
called, he desired them not to grieve, but to 
thank God, and soon after quietly departed, 
aged 62 years. 



96 



The Testimony of the Monthly Meeting of 
Weslbury^ concerning our belovtd Friend 
Silas Downing. 

He was born in the compass of Westbury 
Meeting, on Long Island, in the year 1747. 
By the removal of his mother by death, the 
charge of his education devolved on his sur- 
viving parentj who though not in member- 
ship with us, brought him up to the attend- 
ance of our religious meetings. It appears, 
by a short manuscript left by our dear Friend, 
that the Lord was graciously pleased to visit 
him with the sensible knowledge of his Truth 
in very early life ; under the operation of 
which, when alone in the fields, and other 
places, he was frequently tendered, and bro- 
ken into tears, and strong desires were begot- 
ten that he might fear and serve his Creator 
all the days of his life. 

These divine visitations were at times, as 
he expresses it, so powerful, as to cause him 
to fall on his knees, and supplicate the Lord 
for preservation from every thing that was 
offensive to Him^ and to enable him to be- 



97 

come like those worthies of whom he read iu 
the Scriptures of truth, and in the writings of 
Friends. 

Divert of these exercises were passed 
through between the tenth and thirteenth 
years of his age ; but being naturally of a 
cheerful and volatile disposilion, the subtle 
enemy, always ready to frustrate the good 
work thus begun, assailed him with tempta- 
tions, suggesting that he was young, and 
might indulge in the company of the youth- 
ful and vain. 

These suggestions prevailed, and he broke 
the covenants he had made with the Lordj 
when under those gracious visitations. This 
was the case time after time. But Infinite 
Goodness still following him with His judg- 
ments, and showing the awful state into 
which such a course, if persisted in, would 
terminate, he was brought into deep distress 
and anguish of mind, and made willing to 
forsake his unprofitable associates, and cleave 
to the Lord, earnestly desiring to serve him 
with his whole heart ; this exercise beingabode 
under, and yielding in humble obedience to 
the manifestation of Divine Light, he was 



98 

m^de to rejoice in his Redeemer, whose 
blessed presence seemed almost continually 
with him. As he persevered in humility 
and obedience, (his mind being open to re- 
ceive instruction,) a prospect presented, that 
it would be required of him to preach the 
gospel of peace and salvation. Under this 
impression, he abode a considerable time in 
deep reverence and self-abasement, from a 
sense of his own insufficiency and the great- 
ness of the work ; and when the time came 
that the requisition was clearly manifested, 
great fear attended him, lest he should run 
before he was sent. The fear of man also 
proved a snare, and consulting with flesh and 
blood, he stumbled at the cross, and his 
mind became covered with thick darkness, 
so that he was ready to doubt his ever being 
restored to Divine favour and acceptance. 
Yet the Lord, (who had for a season with- 
drawn the sensible enjoyment of his pre- 
sence,) through continued goodnessr, was 
mercifully pleased to renew the manifesta- 
tions of his love, and to afford strength to 
resign to his requirings ; whereby his mind 
became enriched with substantial peace and 



99 

consolation. His first appearance in the 
ministry, was about the twenty-fourth year 
of his age; and abiding in humility and 
watchful dependence, he experienced a 
growth in his gift, and became an able minis- 
ter, sound in word and doctrine. 

His travels in the ministry, were not very 
extensive, though he several times visited 
Friends, and others, in divers of the adjacent 
States, to the satisfaction and edification of 
those amongst whom his lot was cast. 

After his marriage, he settled within the 
limits of Matinicock Meeting, where his ser- 
vices were very acceptable and useful. He 
was an affectionate husband, and tender fa- 
ther, being concerned to train up his chil- 
dren in the nurture and admonition of the 
Lord, and in plainness of habit and deport- 
ment, consistent with our religious profes- 
sion ; he was a good neighbour, and gene- 
rally beloved by those who knew him. 

For some weeks previous to his death, he 
was confined much at home, yet he was en- 
abled to attend two meetings a little before 
his close, in which he evinced his continued 
love to the precious cause of Truth, in lively 



100 



and impressive testimonies to the comfort 
and edification of his friends. 

And when his disorder had progressed to- 
wards its termination, he remarked to his 
wife, that he thought his end was approach- 
ing, but that he felt no terror at the prospect. 
After which he did not express much, his 
mental powers having yielded in a conside- 
rable degree to the pressure of bodily disease. 

He quietly departed this life, the 16th of 
4th Month, 1822, aged nearly 75 years, hav- 
ing been a minister about 51 years. 



101 



A Testimony of the Monthly Meeting of West- 
bury^ concerning our beloved Friend^ Jacob 
Undekhill. 

He was born on Long Island, within the 
compass of Matinicock Meeting, the 12th of 
7th Month J 1736, and whilst a youth was of 
orderly and commendable conduct, abstain- 
ing from loose and vain company, and after 
arriving to man's estate, grew more reli- 
giously concerned, became a steady attend- 
er of our meetings, and, at his request, was 
received into membership 5 and persevering 
in faithfulness, became a useful member of 
society, filling for many years the important 
stations of overseer and elder in the church, 
and, we believe, was careful to discharge his 
duty therein. He used much plainness and 
freedom in treating with transgressors, and 
such as stood in need of caution, yet the 
simplicity and meekness of his deportment, 
gave hi ill such a place in their minds, as en- 
abled him to gain a ready access to them. 
He was an affectionate husband, and tender 
father, labouring to train up his children ia 

10 



102 

the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and 
in plainness consistent with our profession ; 
and was concerned that Friends should keep 
in simplicity and moderation in their man- 
ner of living, furniture of their houses, and 
in the management of their ousiness, being 
himself an excellent example in those res- 
pects. Although he was a man of industry 
and care, yet he appeared free from that 
avaricious desire of accumulating worldly 
property, which so much prevails. He was 
a kind neighbour, and by his upright, steady 
deportment, he was enabled to be remarka- 
bly useful in settling differences, being much 
beloved and esteemed by those who knew 
him. And such was the sympathy he felt 
for the enslaved Africans, and his sense of 
the injustice done them, that for many years 
he carefully abstained from the use of arti- 
cles produced by their labour. 

His last sickness was lingering, which he 
bore with much patience and resignation, 
being favoured with a quiet, peaceful mind, 
saying but little, being one of few words, 
which were guarded and savoury. Mot 
long before his close, a Friend sitting by him^ 



103 

on asking him, how he did ; after a little 
pause, he replied, " I have no pain, I feel 
easy in body and mind, which I consider a 
great favour." 

He quietly, and we have no doubt, peace- 
fully departed this life, the Isjt of 5th Month, 
1818, aged about 82 years. 



104 



The Testimony of the Monthly Meeting of 
Purchase^ concerning our Friend^ James 

MOTT. 

Our clear Friend, James Mott, the subject 
of this memoir, was born near Hempstead 
Harbour, on Long Island, in the year 1742. 
While he was jet a child, his father died : 
and although our information respecting his 
early life, is imperfect, jei sufficient appears 
to show, that, when deprived of the care of 
his earthly parent, he was preserved in a 
good degree of innocency. But though, 
from his own account, he learned that, 
^^ childhood and youth are vanity ;" yet, du- 
ring his early, as well as his more mature 
years, he was enabled, by Divine Grace, to 
resist those allurements of vice, to which his 
temper and situation seemed to incline him. 
For, having naturally a warm and social dis- 
position, he was exposed to those " evil 
communications," by which " good man- 
ners" are so often corrupted. 

Soon after his marriage with Mary, the 
daughter of Samuel Underhill, of Queen^s 



105 

County, on Long Island, he removed to the 
city of New-York^ and engaged in nieroan- 
tile business. And here again, though ex- 
posed to the many dangers incident to those 
engaged in ** buying and selling,'' and es- 
pecially to such as have exchanged a coun- 
try for a city life ; he was mercifully enabled 
not only to '• provide for his own household,'' 
but to be ^' faithful in the true riches" com- 
mitted to his trust. Thus he was made 
useful in religious society, in the business of 
which he became more and more interested 
and engaged. But in the year 1776, the 
declining state of his wife's health, together 
with the political difficulties of this country, 
induced him to remove to Mamaroneck, 
within the limits of this Monthly Meeting, of 
which he ever after continued to be a mem^ 
ber. A few months, however, after this re- 
moval, he experienced a deep and sore be- 
reavement, in the death of his wife, a woman 
whose " many virtues" are mentioned by 
him in a memorandum made many years 
after, in the most striking and affectionate 
manner- Her '' humble piety," her " ten- 
der atiection," and her "studious care to 

10* 



106 

promote conjugal harmony and happiness/' 
are parlicularlj enumerated. 

Being left with a family of five small chil- 
dren, he devoted himself to their instruction 
with a pious and affectionate care. To this 
circumstance, together with the recollection 
of the situation in which his own childhood 
had been passed, may be traced that warm 
and affectionate interest which he ever after 
took in the education of youth. For when 
his own children no longer required his im- 
mediate carCj his time was devoted to this 
important object, which he wisely concluded 
to be the most certain means of promoting 
the reformation of the world. Under this 
conviction, he was much engaged in giving 
counsel and assistance where he thought 
they would be useful. His labours, in this, 
as well as in other respects, were rendered 
the more acceptable, by the kindness of his 
disposition, and the mildness of his manners, 
which insured, from his young friends, a 
ready and willing ear. His pen also, was 
often employed, during the latter years of 
his life, in promoting the cause of a pious 
and guarded education, a service in which,. 



107 

it is believed, he was eminently successful 
From some of his letters, which are still 
in the hands of his friends, it appears, that 
he very early evinced his religious concern 
in relation to spirituous liquors, and although 
the views of the Society had not, at that 
time, been expressed upon the subject, yet 
he saw the pernicious effects of the common 
use of ardent spirits too clearly, to withhold 
his concern ; but was earnestly engaged, 
both by example and precept, to discourage 
the vending and consumption of this des- 
tructive article. He was also concerned to 
refrain from the use of articles produced by 
the labour of slaves ; yet he never urged 
his opinions upon the subject, but was con- 
tent to let his scruples be known and adorn- 
ed by his practice. He was especially care- 
ful to let moderation appear in all his con- 
duct, being not only an example of simpli- 
city and plainness in his own dress and man- 
ner of living, but endeavouring also to in- 
culcate the sentiment that real Christianity 
w^U lead its followers to guard againt unne- 
cessary expense, as well as to avoid super- 
fluity and show in appearance. 



108 

A few years after his removal amongst us, 
he was appointed to the station of an elder. 
This important trust he continued, during 
his life, to exercise with great faithfulness; for 
as he entertained a weighty sense of the im- 
portance of the station, and had a clear and 
discriminating view of the excellency of a 
sound and living ministry, it is believed he 
often besought the Lord with solicitude and 
humility, for a right qualification to fulfil the 
duty. This religious concern, joined to 
the natural tenderness and delicacy of his 
feelings, made him a kind friend, and a 
sympathizing fellow-helper, to those in the 
ministry, and qualified him to speak a word 
in season, by way either of counsel or en- 
couragement, as the case required. 

To promote the increase of truth and 
righteousness in the earth, and to aid his 
fellow-creatures in '' escaping from the pol- 
lutions of the world, through the knowledge 
of the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ," he 
cheerfully devoted much of his time in tra- 
velling in different parts of the United Slates, 
with such as he believed to '^ minister in the 
ability which God giveth.'' When he foand 



10^ 

himself at liberty to remain at home, he was 
industriously engaged for the comfortable 
support of his family, (for he did not aspire 
after riches,) and it was evident to those who 
were best acquainted with him in private 
life, that his affections were habitually 
drawn to that centre, where true peace 
and safety are only to be found. By thus 
endeavouring to " use this world as not 
abusing it,'' his mind was preserved in a 
lively and feeling state, which was often 
manifested in an especial manner for the 
welfare of our Society, and the promotion, 
of its testimonies; as it was more generally 
for the prosperity of genuine Christianity 
amongst his fellow-men, under whatever 
particular name. 

He was remarkable for his diligent attend- 
ance of our religious meetings, and for the 
reverent and humble state of his mind, 
which v^as evinced by his deportment in 
them. He was also eminently qualified for 
the service of our meetings for discipline, in 
which he was frequently and usefully em- 
ployed. He possessed an uncommon degree 
of modesty ; a quality, which; while it pre- 



110 

vented him from being improperly oflficious 
in religious matters, gave weight to his senti- 
ments whenever they were expressed. In 
this respect, his conduct was not only a strik- 
ing example to the youth, but a convincing 
proof, that modesty is an ornament, even to 
age and experience. Having himself deriv- 
ed much comfort and benefit from the Holy 
Scriptures, and the writings of our early 
Friends, he took great care in his own family, 
to encourage the reading, and to promote the 
love of those excellent writings ; a concern 
which he often expressed with an earnest 
and pathetic tenderness. He was a kind 
and obliging neighbour ; and the respect 
and love in which he was held by those of 
his acquaintance, often enabled him to be a 
peace-maker among them. Indeed, it may 
be truly said, that in all his walks in life, he 
was an example of temperance, gentleness, 
integrity, and purity. He was graciously 
permitted, in his closing moments, to expe- 
rience the promised rewards of such a life — 
a peaceful death, and the blessed hope of a 
glorious immortality. And, having ^^kept 
the faith, and finished his course,'' he depart- 



Ill 

ed this life, in the city of New- York, the 9th 
of the 6th Month, 1823, in the eighty-first 
year of his age. " The hoary head is a 
crown of glory, if it be found in the way o^ 
righteousness.^' Pro v. xvi. 31. 



112 



The Testimony of Farmington Monthly Meet- 
ings concerning Mary Comstock, 

To commemorate the lives of those, who, 
by yielding obedience to the manifestations 
of Divine Grace, have experienced a pro- 
gressive growth in the savmg knowledge of 
the truth, which has made them useful in their 
day, and supported them through many trials 
and vicissitudes to the solemn close ; ap- 
pears to be right, when a hope is entertained 
that it will be useful to surviving Ffiends 
and a numerous posterity. 

It appears that our beloved Friend, was 
the daughter of Nathan and Mary Staples, 
was born at Smithfield, in the State of 
Rhode-Island, the 16th of 10th Month, 1739. 
In early life, she maintained the character 
of a pious and amiable young woman, and 
became a member of our Society, by her 
own request. Having a good understand- 
ing and a pleasant disposition, she was be- 
loved both by the youth and the aged. 

In the year 1764, she was married to our 
Friend Nathan Comstock, and about five 



113 

years afterwards, removed with him to 
Adams, then called East Hoosack, in the 
State of Massachusetts. She resided there 
about twenty-two years, in which time, she 
passed through deep affliction with much 
patience, humility, and fortitude, and in 
the early part of the time was appointed an 
elder- 

In the year 1791, she removed with her 
husband to this place, then almost an entire 
wilderness, ftnd the number of Friends and 
friendly people very small ; but in a few 
years, it was much increased by convince- 
ment and emigration. Among these, she 
manifested herself to be a mother in Israel, 
and w^as esteemed as one of those elders, 
who ruling well, are worthy of double hon- 
our. 

Being of a meek and patient spirit, she 
often had a word of counsel or encourage- 
ment to impart. Her admonitions and re- 
proofs were given in so gentle and loving a 
manner as seldom gave offence, though 
sometimes she was concerned to use much 
plainness of speech, and contend earnestly 
for the faithj that was once delivered to the 

II 



114 

saints and to our worthy predecessors and 
elders in the truth. 

She was an exemplary and constant at- 
tender of our meetings for worship and dis- 
cipline ; and acting in the latter with pru- 
dence and discretion, she possessed much 
influence with her friends, being discreet in 
giving, and faithful in keeping counsel. 

To her husband, who was often indisposed 
and endured much bodily distress at times, 
for nearly forty years, she was remarkably 
affectionate and attentive, a true help- meet, 
and a faithful counsellor. 

Amongst a numerous family of children, 
she was one of the kindest of mothers, yet 
faithful in dealing plainly and admonishing 
closely, when she believed there was occa- 
sion for it. 

Amongst her neighbours universally be- 
loved, the most unguarded were seldom 
or never heard to say any thing against her. 

In conversation she was agreeable and 
instructive, people of different denomina- 
tions often visited her, and the pious we be- 
lieve were always pleased with her compa- 
ny. To her friends and especially to those 



115 

who were travelling in the service of truth, 
her heart and house were open to entertain 
them and others with genuine hospitality, 
so that we believe it may be truly said of 
her, that she was well reported of for good 
works, having brought up children, lodged 
strangers, washed the saints' feet, relieved 
the afflicted, and diligently followed every 
good work. In the 77th year of her age, 
her husband was removed by death, and 
though she had generally enjoyed good 
health, the infirmities of old age gradually 
came on, the strength of her understanding 
was somewhat abated : she was sensible of 
it, and was less active in meetings for disci- 
pline ; yet her love continued and her com- 
pany in those meetings was strengthening. 

To a person who admired how patient 
she had been, she replied nearly thus, " I do 
not think that I have been naturally more 
patient than others, but patience like other 
virtues, is learned by exercise and use. 

In the last year of her life, she was mostly 
pleasant and cheerful ; though she had some 
trials, would sometimes express a desire to 
experience greater degrees of purification. 



116 

Her sight being very much impaired, she 
frequently desired the Bible might be read ; 
at one time said, ^' I never before so fully 
considered David's expressions, ^ The mercy 
of the Lord endureth forever,' which is a 
great comfort to me." She several times 
said, " We ought to remember that after we 
have done all we can, it is by the mercy of 
our Redeemer, that we are saved.'' 

Her last sickness continued about two 
weeks, during which she said she suffered 
no pain; and as the solemn close drew near^ 
she appeared to be wholly absorbed in love 
a0d redeemed from the world. 

On the lOth of the 11th Month, 1823, in 
the 85th year of her age, her warfare was 
finally accomplished : she passed out of time 
without a sigh, groan, or struggle. 

To conclude, the design of this memorial 
is not to build the tombs of the prophets, or 
garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, but 
to excite in survivors a proper attention to 
that precept, ^^Go and do thou likewise ;" 
and to her descendants it may be said, 
" They only are Abraham's children, who do 
the works of Abraham," 



117 



A Memorial of the Monthly Meeting of New- 
York^ concerning Mary Slocum. 

Confiding in the truth of the declaration, 
that the '' memory of the just is blessed," we 
are induced to preserve a written memorial 
of the life and character of our beloved 
Friend, Mary Slocum. 

She was the daughter of Daniel and Nao- 
mi Dunbar, and was born in the year 1782, 
at Newtown, on Long Island. Her parents 
removed, during her infancy, to the city of 
New- York. 

In her early youth, she did not manifest 
much outward evidence of seriousness. She 
was naturally lively and social ; and indulg- 
ing those dispositions, she was sometimes 
led into gay company, and into deviations 
in dress and deportment from the simplicity 
of our profession. But we have reason to 
believe, that her mind was then becoming 
silently and gradually acquainted with that 
precious influence which so conspicuously 
controled her conduct, in the later periods 
of her life. 

11* 



118 



It appears, by some manuscripts of her 
own writing, that she was early visited with 
the " day spring from on high/' which caus- 
ed her eyes to overflow with tears of grati- 
tude and praise. And although she had af- 
terwards to acknowledge, that those favour- 
ed seasons were often withdrawn from her, 
yet, through the adorable mercy of her Hea- 
venly Father, she was revisited with the evi- 
dences of his love ; and in com memoration of 
his gracious dealings with her, we find in her 
memorandums, the following expressions: — 
*^ Oh, saith my soul, may the frequent recol- 
lection of those seasons strengthen me in the 
renewal of my covenant with thee ; and may 
it prove to be a perpetual one, never to be 
broken«" 

In the year 1803, she was married to 
William T. Slocum, a member of this meet- 
ing ; and the various relations of domestic 
life were adorned by the quietness and puri- 
ty of her example. Her affectionate solici- 
tude for the best interests of her children, 
was expressed in the following supplicatory 
language : — " Thou alone knowest what has 
been, and continues to be, my secret prayer 



119 

in relation to my tender offspring ; that they 
may be the objects of thy peculiar care ; that 
thy Divine power may be round about to 
preserve them from evil : and, oh ! that thou 
vvouldst be pleased to pour out upon them 
an increased portion of thy own blessed 
spirit ; that they may grow in grace, and in 
the saving knowledge of thee : being renew- 
edly confirmed, that even little children, by 
compliance with the gentle intimations of 
Divine love, are often qualified to worship 
and adore thee." 

The solicitude which thus so fervently at- 
tended her, for the preservation of her own 
family, was also extended to her fellow-crea- 
tures at large ; and having herself experien- 
ced the blessed effects of living under Di- 
vine guidance, she became increasingly de- 
sirous that others also, should submit to the 
influence of this pure and holy principle. 
In the year 1815, she felt herself constrained 
to appear as a public minister ; and being 
careful to abide under the teachings of Him^ 
who can alone grant the requisite qualifica- 
tions for service in his church, she became, 
in this allotment of labour, useful and instruc- 



120 

tive. In the year 1821, she was engaged in 
an acceptable religious visit to the families 
of Friends in this city ; and in 1822, she at- 
tended the Yearly Meeting on Rhode Island, 
and visited several meetings within the com- 
pass of that Yearly Meeting. This visit, we 
believe, was accomplished much to the satis- 
faction of her friends, and to the peace of 
her own mind. In meetings for discipline, 
she was also qualified to be useful ; as the 
meekness of her deportment, and the humi- 
lity of her spirit, often rendered her useful 
in the transaction of religious concerns. 

For some time previous to her visit to 
Rhode Island, she was affected with symp- 
toms of a pulmonary disease ; and on her 
return, she was informed by her physician, 
that her continuance in this life would pro- 
bably not be long. She received this infor- 
mation with calmness and serenity ; having 
been often *' admonished,'' as she expresses 
in her manuscript, " of the necessity of be- 
ing prepared for the ' midnight cry ;' and of 
having her lamp filled and trimmed, that she 
might be ready to meet the Bridegroom.'' 
Her disorder continued to increase, and she 



121 

was soon after mostly confined to the house. 
About this lime, a beloved son, a promis- 
ing youth of 19 years of age, was also con- 
fined with a similar complaint, and, at the 
request of his mother, he was brought into 
the same chamber with herself. On the 
23d of nth Month, 1823, her sister-in-law 
inquired how she had rested during the pre- 
ceding night. She replied, " I have had a 
wakeful night, but a very pleasant one." 
She afterwards added, ^'I have enjoyed 
much satisfaction from my frequent conver- 
sations with my dear son William, since hm 
confinement to my room ; I find his mind so 
pure, that I believe him prepared for a sick 
bed." He had told her, that he had never 
been to a theatre, or to a public garden, in 
his life ; and that, as to company, he had no 
associates. He had been, he said, to diffe- 
rent places of w^orship, but he fully believed 
the one which he had been accustomed to 
attend, was the right one for him, as he al- 
ways felt best satisfied after attending it. 
She also observed, that her son had express- 
ed a desire, if it was right, to be first taken 
away ; but had added, that the Lord's time 



122 

was the right time. Many expressions 
which dropped from the lips of this youth^ 
while on his sick bed, evinced that his mind, 
was gradually and sweetly preparing for the 
approaching change ;— and many, and me- 
morable indeed to a number who were 
favoured with access to the sick chamber, 
were the baptizing seasons, which they wit- 
nessed there. One Friend was led to ad- 
dress them in a remarkably encouraging 
manner. To the mother she said, that she 
believed her prayers for her dear son had 
been heard and answered, and that they 
would both meet together in the kingdom. 
She also observed that she believed not a 
murmur had escaped from our beloved 
Friend during this trying dispensation ; a 
state of resignation, which she afterwards 
acknowledged had indeed bean graciously 
dispensed to her. 

At another time, she remarked to her sis- 
ter, " 1 was uncommonly feeble yesterday ; 
my dear son coughed so incessantly that my 
feelings were much exercised on his ac- 
count ; I could not sleep ; my handkerchief 
was steeped with my tears ; I . did indeed 



123 

Hioura as a dove : I viewed my stay as very 
short, but the grave had no terrors : beyond 
it was a place of rest, where there was joy 
and rejoicing.'' One evening, when she 
and her son were both sitting up, she called 
for the Bible, and in an emphatical manner 
read to the family the 42d Psalm ; and after 
a short pause, she spoke of the trials and 
temptations we have to pass through in this 
life, and abided, " but our blessed Pattern 
had to meet them all, and was sustained 
through them." She then adverted in a pe- 
culiarly impressive manner, to the state sig- 
nified by the wilderness, as one deprived of 
all succour from man ; observing, that when 
the tempter came to Jesus and said to him, 
"Command that these stones be made bread," 
he answered, " Man shall not live by bread 
alone, but by every word that proceedelh 
out of the mouth of God." After expatiating 
on this passage, she repeated nearly the fol- 
lowing words of the prophet Isaiah : — "When 
thou passest through the waters, 1 will be 
with thee, and when through the rivers, they 
shall not overflow thee : when thou walkest 
through the fire, thou shalt not be burned ^ 



124 

neither shall the flaoie kindle upon thee.-^ 
At the close of this solemn season, William 
leaned affectionately upon his mother, and 
expressed how acceptable to him, had been 
what she had just had to communicate. 

The sufferings of her dear son were ter- 
minated a few days previous to her own. 
The day before his burial, she requested to 
see him, and was accordingly taken into the 
room where he was laid. While sitting by 
the bed, she was calm and composed, and 
after remarking that he looked natural, she 
added, " Yes, lovely, even in death, the beau- 
teous ruin lies-'' In a shorttime she requested 
to be taken back to her chamber, and seem- 
ed overcome by her feelings ; but she soon 
became collected, and observed, ''You must 
not think that it was the sight of the dear 
remains that overcame me ; it was the re- 
collection of his great sufferings, and nature 
will feel. In the first part of his sickness, it 
was clearly made known to me, that I was 
detained here to be the companion of the 
dear creature in suffering ; and I then cove- 
nanted with my heavenly Father, that, if 
consistent with his blessed will, first to re- 



125 

lease the dear lamb, I could cheerfully re- 
sign him. This covenant I have solemnly 
kept ; for never vv^as a darling child more 
cheerfully resigned.'^ 

On another occasion, vv^hen alluding to 
her sufferings, she said, " The poor disciples 
became vi^eary and fell asleep ; yet the dear 
Master did not harshly rebuke them on the 
occasion, but gently ad monished them by say- 
ing, 'Could ye not watch with me one hour?' 
He felt for their weaknesses, as he does for 
ours ; our suflFerings are great, but He is our 
support, and His gracious Arm is underneath. 
My soul is filled with admiration of his good- 
ness in years that are past. He has caused 
mountains to be removed, seas to be divided, 
and finally. He has prepared a place of rest 
for me.'' 

From the time of her son's decease, she 
rapidly declined ; and although she expe- 
rienced great bodily weakness and distress, 
yet her precious mind was preserved in 
peaceful serenity, and in holy patience: — 
'' My heavenly Father," said she, " contin- 
ues with me still : he leads me step by step ; 
and all he does, is right ; the prospect before 

12 



126 

me is without a cloud : all is sunshine." Her 
gentle spirit thus sweetly centered in the 
hope of that heavenly rest, of which she had 
so full an assurance, and she quietly de- 
parted this life on the 18th of the 1st Month, 
1824, in th forty-second year of her age. 

Thus has been early taken from us, in the 
midst of her usefulness, this faithful labour- 
er in the church : but lamentation on her 
account, would be inappropriate ; for there 
is surely no cause for sorrow. Her years 
were not extended to the period which is 
often allotted to human life ; but she was 
mercifully favoured to perceive, and to fulfil 
the great end of her being. 

She was endowed with good natural abili- 
ties, and had a comprehensive and discrimi- 
nating mind. And these qualities being 
still further improved by the influence of 
Divine Grace, she exhibited in her deport- 
ment a rare and striking union, of mildness 
andiirmness, of sweetness and dignity. 

She had, however, a lowly estimate of 
herself, and her attainments ; and her prin- 
cipal and earnest concern was, that she 
might increase daily in purity of heart ; and, 



127 



during her earthly pilgrimage, be found walk- 
ing humbly with her God. 



THE KND. 



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